by Iain | May 12, 2026 | 2026, 2026 North West News, 2026 News, 2026 Carlisle Sales
Popes heifers at 15,000gns x 2; 14,000 x 2; 13,000ngs
20 Popes heifers average £8610
The much anticipated Popes Princesses Production Sale of 20 pedigree Simmental heifers, from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire, lived up to all expectations with a fantastic trade seeing heifers at 15,000gns, 14,000gns, 13,000gns, and with a mighty average of £8610.
An evening sale held on Friday 8th May at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, the sale ring was packed to the rafters with potential buyers from the length and breadth of the country, eager to bid on the top lots forward.
From a catalogue packed with quality heifers offering a real depth of proven bloodlines, two heifers made 15,000gns. The first of these was Popes Nellys Prudence who was offered for sale entered for both the upcoming Royal Highland and Royal Norfolk Shows. Featuring through the catalogue, this heifer is sired by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, and is out of the Denizes Impressive daughter Popes Nellys Lexi. With breeding, character, and outlook, this heifer was marketed as ‘one of the best to be bred at Popes’. Come sale time and a flurry of bidding, Popes Nellys Prudence was purchased by new Simmental breeders Chris and Nicky White, Frogmore Farm, Moreton in the Marsh, Gloucestershire.
15,000gns Popes Nellys Prudence
The Whites sold their noted herd of pedigree Limousins in 2023 and realised they wanted to keep a very small number of pedigree cattle on the farm. To achieve this, they bred from some of their retained Limousin embryos but also wanted to keep some Simmentals as well. Commenting, Chris White said: “Having seen the Popes Princesses catalogue, we decided that Nellys Prudence was the heifer for us. With her very feminine traits, combined with power, excellent feet and legs she is very much of the quality for a foundation female at Frogmore Simmentals . We are looking forward to showing her soon at the Royal Highland and Royal Norfolk.”
15,000gns Popes Fabulous Sapphire
Prior to the sale the heifers were brought out of their pens and tied up in an open area at Borderway. In what was a fantastic bit of marketing, potential buyers were able to ‘get up close and personal’ and walk amongst the lots forward. Having initially clocked the breeding and figures in the catalogue it was here that Popes Fabulous Sapphire fully caught the eye of Stewart and Fiona Stronach, Berryleys, Grange, Keith, who went on to purchase the heifer for their prolific Islavale herd at the sale joint top price of 15,000gns. This April 2025 born heifer is by the 37,000gns Denizes Nugget, and is out of Clonagh Jubilant Fabulous, an Irish National Champion purchased for €18,000 from Roscommon back in 2019. Speaking afterwards, Stewart Stronach said: “We thought this was an outstanding heifer from within what was a quality line up. She’s young but just full of potential, and we liked the Clonagh breeding in her pedigree with her mother also having been a fantastic heifer. It’s very seldom that we buy females but we’re delighted to have purchased Popes Fabulous Sapphire and we can benchmark her against the contemporary heifers in the Islavale herd.”
At the close of the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager, Iain Kerr said: “What a terrific sale and a huge congratulations is extended to the Wood family. In talking pre-sale they said how in the Popes herd they had prioritised such as milk and calving ease while looking for growth, fleshing ability, and cattle that are easy on the eye. That shone through in these sale heifers which were an absolute credit to the family and to the Simmental breed. These heifers have sold to new and established breeders, and from Kent to the North East of Scotland. Full of quality and a depth of proven bloodlines I have no doubt these heifers will go on to make top breeding Simmental females. It’s a massive well done to Jimmy, Vikki, Harry, and Hannah and great to see such a packed Simmental sale ring at Carlisle!”
The Wood family: Vikki, Jimmy, Hannah, and Harry
14,000gns Popes Nellys Rhea
The majority of the heifers in the sale were by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer who was bought for his width, natural fleshing ability, and character, and with these being traits now being seen in his females. As well as being sire of the joint top price, two further heifers by Clonagh Lucky Explorer made 14,000gns. The first of these was the April 2024 born Popes Nellys Rhea. This heifer is out of Popes Nellys Koko whose breeding goes back to Popes Nellys Dazzler, a full sister to Popes Barclay, and described as one of the most influential cows in the herd. Popes Nellys Rhea was one of two purchases made on the night by the establishing Tippetcraig herd of The Burns Family, High Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. Commenting, Lyndsey Stark said: “Popes Nellys Rhea is a beautiful heifer with size and style, she has a great presence, is full of breeding, and has excellent performance figures. Seeing her in the flesh at Carlisle she met all of the expectations we had from her picture in the catalogue, and her back pedigree, and we loved her the moment we saw her.” Tippetcraig had got the sale underway when they also purchased the first lot Popes Tarkas Rhona, another Explorer daughter, for 5000gns. “The Wood family are distinguished breeders and the Popes herd is one of the foremost in the Simmental breed. We are delighted to buy these two heifers as we continue to expand the Tippetcraig Simmental herd.”
14,000gns Popes Ruflles
Also at 14,000gns was Popes Ruffles, another by Clonagh Lucky Explorer and out of Springfield Magic who was purchased at Stirling in October 2022, and whose pedigree goes back to Woodhall Extra. This heifer was sold jointly to the Newbiemains herd of Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire, and the Tundergarth herd of Alastair Dodd, Tundergarth Mains, Lockerbie. Of Popes Ruffles, Jim Goldie said: “This is a smart, long, clean heifer, with a depth of, and plenty of progression in her. She’s a very modern type, carries a lot of style, and has all the potential to be a good bull breeder.” Later in the sale the Tundergarth herd also purchased Popes Sparkly Eyes, a Denizes Nugget daughter, for 8000gns.
13,000gns Popes Nellys Rumour
The fifth heifer over five figures was Popes Nellys Rumour who made 13,000gns when selling to the south of England and the O’So’Good pedigree herd of Robert & Nicola Tremayne, Paley Farm, Cranbrook, Kent. Again by Clonagh Lucky Explorer this heifer is out of Popes Nellys Ilia from the herd’s famous Nelly family. selling at 13,000gns to Mr & Mrs R Tremayne of Hill View herd, Paley farm, Cranbrook, Kent. Commenting, Robert Tremayne said: “This is a July 2024 born heifer who we think will go on to make a tremendous cow. She has tremendous breeding behind her, has scale, is very correct, and has a lot left in her. We are looking to bring new lines to the herd and are delighted to have been able to buy a quality heifer like Popes Nellys Rumour.”
9000gns Popes Princess Ruby
At 9000gns the June 2024 born Popes Princess Ruby. With tremendous breeding behind her, this heifer, by Explorer, is the first calf out of Popes Princess Lumi, the Simmental English National Show, Great Yorkshire Show, and Royal Lancashire Show Interbreed Champion in 2022. Princess Lumi is a daughter of the multi title winning Popes Princess Cleo. With a Maternal (Milk) figure of +12, putting her in the breed’s top 5% for this trait, this heifer was purchased by RE & SHW Steggles for their Wacton pedigree herd at Honingham, Norfolk.
8500gns Popes Nellys Sage
The youngest animal in the catalogue at nine-months-old, Popes Nellys Sage, made 8500gns when selling locally to the Strudda Bank pedigree herd of KG Holliday, Calderbridge, Seascale, Cumbria. Sired once more by Clonagh Lucky Explorer, this heifer out of Popes Nellys Lottie, goes back to Tintoside Nellys Wonder, a foundation cow in the Popes herd.
AVERAGE
20 heifers £8610
by Iain | May 11, 2026 | 2026 North West News, 2026 News, 2026 Carlisle Sales, 2026, Uncategorised
Six bulls make 10,000gns and more
89% clearance rate
24 out of 27 bulls sell to average £7585
Islavale Rudolph 24 from Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys, Grange, Keith made 16,000gns to lead a strong sale of Simmental bulls at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Saturday 9th May.December 2024 born, Rudolph is by the prolific Coose Lincoln EX 95, and is out of the Corskie Highlander daughter Islavale Lexi. With good calving and maternal (milk) figures, and a pedigree packed with EX classified animals, this bull was snapped up by noted commercial producer Jim Walker, Drumbuie, Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire.
Speaking after the sale Mr Walker said: “Islavale Rudolph was purchased to add to an already strong lineup of bulls within our commercial herd. We felt his pedigree and figures matched in well with what we’re looking for to provide us with both milky replacement females and males that will grow out and produce strings of store bullocks to sell. We’re really looking forward to see what this bull will do for us.”
Islavale Rudolph 16,000gns
For the Stronachs the top price was secured in what was the first time they have sold bulls at Carlisle. This sale followed hot on the heels of Stirling earlier in the week, and where they sold four bulls to average £13,650, and with the top priced bull there at 15,000gns also being a Coose Lincoln EX 95 son.
The Carlisle Sale saw six bulls sell at 10,000gns and more, and with 24 out of the 27 bulls selling to average a terrific £7585, with an 89% clearance. The 24 bulls also represented the most Simmental bulls sold to date at this growing breed fixture, and followed on from the previous evening where 20 Simmental heifers averaged 8600gns at the Popes Princesses Production Sale held for Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire.
Speaking after the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager Iain Kerr said: “It’s been two very good days for the Simmental breed at Carlisle with a tremendous demand for both pedigree bulls and females. It was a very level show of Simmental bulls and to sell 24, to buyers across geographies in England Scotland, is real growth at this fixture and very encouraging for the breeders. Again, it’s the balance the breed brings in its maternal qualities of milk, calving ease, and temperament, allied to its terminal abilities in age at slaughter, and daily carcase gain, that’s driving this ongoing demand from commercial breeders.”
Always bringing good bulls to Simmental Sales, the Leedham family, Boghead Farm, Tarbolton, Ayrshire, again enjoyed a terrific trade when selling two bulls for 12,000gns. Both bulls were sired by the 16,000gns Overhill House Neil EX 92, whose first son at sale at Stirling in February this year sold for the joint top price of 30,000gns.
The first bull at the 12,000gns mark was the September 2024 born Grangewood Ringo. By Overhill House Neil, Ringo is out of Grangewood Mabel, a Ranfurly Impeccable daughter. In the pre-sale show, this bull had placed first in his class and went on to be the Overall Reserve Champion in front of the judge Emma McAlister who runs the Islabute herd at Coxhill Farm, Falkirk. Commenting on her Reserve Champion Emma said: “My Reserve Champion was a very good big Simmental bull with plenty of length, was clean through the middle, and was very correct. He walked well, had a lot of character and style, with a very good breed head.
Grangewood Ringo 12,000gns
Buying this bull was Richard Elliott who runs 240 three quarter bred Simmental suckler cows at High Moor Farm, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire. Commenting on his purchase Mr Elliott said: “This is a very well bred bull who is just full of potential and will grow on. He’s a very correct bull and with a super Simmental head. He’ll be introduced to the herd and with the aim of breeding first quality heifers.”
Judge Emma McAlister
The second Grangewood bull at 12,000gns from the Leedhams was Grangewood Sylvester. Again by Overhill House Neil 22 EX 92, and this time out of Grangewood Polly’s Kit Kat VG 87, this bull sold to the North East of England and AJ&R Ord from Newton Greens, Newton on the Moon, Morpeth , Northumberland.
Grangewood Sylvester 12,000gns
For the Leedhams, the first six sons at sale sired by Overhill House Neil 22 EX 92, have now averaged a terrific 16,000gns.
Newbiemains Rockafella 11,000gns
Well-known local breeders Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire, made 11,000gns when selling Newbiemains Rockafella. Sired by Auchorachan Kennedy 19 EX 92, this November 2024 born bull is out of the Woodhall fantastic daughter, Newbiemains Isa EX 90. A dark red bull with good figures and plenty of EX classified animals in his pedigree, Newbiemains Rockafella was bought by JC Innes & Sons from Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Two bulls made 10,000gns. Leading the way, and the first bull in the ring, was the day’s Overall Supreme Champion in the shape of Habton Reacher 24 from North Yorkshire breeder AJ Bulmer, Coultas Farm, Malton. A well bred bull Habton Reacher 24 is sired by Islavale Lockdown and is out of Corskie Leah, an Aultmore Franco 14 EX 93 daughter. Of her Champion, the judge Emma McAlister said: “With a real power to him this was a well put together bull, level right through, and with a good end. He walked really well and had plenty of style.” Again going commercially, the day’s Champion was bought by D Whiteford & Co, Borewell Farm, Scremerston, Berwick on Tweed.
Habton Reacher 10,000gns
For the fast establishing Habton herd this was a memorable sale debut at Carlisle picking up the Championship, and their top sale price to date. Speaking afterwards Alex Bulmer said: “Reacher is the typical type of Simmental bull we’re aiming to breed. He’s well balanced, good on his plates, walks out well, and has plenty of breed character with a good head. We’re really delighted to win the Championship within what was a very good show of Simmental bulls, and to then go on and attain a five figure price.” The Habton herd’s first bull at a Society Sale was in Stirling and where they made 9000gns.
Coolcran Spartan 10,000gns
Making the successful trip over from Northern Ireland was Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, Co Fermanagh, who made 10,000gns when selling Coolcran Spartan. This January 2025 born bull is by the noted AI sire Denizes Hamish, and is out of Ashland Topaz Mair who herself had won the Reserve Junior Interbreed at the Royal Ulster Balmoral Show in 2022, as well as Reserve Supreme Champion at the NI Simmental National show in the same year. Coolcran Spartan 25 went to the Borders when being bought by S Ramsey from Falsidehill Farm, Kelso, Roxburghshire.
The demand for the Simmental bulls forward continued through the catalogue and with the youngest bull offered, Popes Sentry 25 from the Wood family, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire making 9000gns. Another by the noted Denizes Hamish, and out of the Clonagh Latin Lover sired Popes Diamonds Nella, this bull combining breeding along with figures across the traits, was bought by Christina Johnson, Fowberry Farm Bamburgh Ltd, Northumberland. The previous lot and the similarly bred Popes Someboy, another Hamish son, made 8000gns when selling to Atkin Brothers who run an extensive Simmental x Red Angus suckler herd at The Grange, Barrow on Trent, Derbyshire.
Thorncliff Rocket 8000gns
Another first time seller at Carlisle was Wayne Mosley, Thorncliff, Chelmorton, Derbyshire, and who sold the March 2024 born Thorncliff Rocket for 8000gns. This bull was yet another Denizes Hamish son, and out of Thorncliff Moya. With strong calving ease figures, Thorncliff Rocket 24 was bought by JB&EJ Peile Ltd, Greystoke Castle Farm, Penrith, Cumbria.
Up from Cornwall, and selling at 7000gns was Killiworgie Razzamatazz from Steve & Gill Gummow, Higher Killiworgie Farm, Newquay. The Senior Champion at the 2025 Agrifest South West, this September 2024 born bull is by the 19,000gns Grangewood Baron, and is out of Killiworgie Ivys Maria VG 88, an Islavale Jericho 18 EX 93 daughter. This bull, with a terrific top 1% Maternal (Milk) figure of +14, was another bought by JC Innes & So, Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
by Iain | Mar 30, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Northern Ireland News, 2026 News, 2026 Dungannon Sales
Gillview Ranger the first Simmental bull to sell at five figures at NI Society sale
Bulls average £5814.37, a new breed record, and up by £366.80
100% clearance rate
Records were broken at the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Friday 27th March when local breeder Ryan Gilmour sold Gillview Ranger for 10,000gns.The 10,000gns is a new record for this Dungannon Sale, eclipsing last year’s 7200gns figure for Corrick Pressley, and is the first time a Simmental bull has sold at the five figure mark at a Society Sale in Northern Ireland.
10,000gns Gillview Ranger, Overall Supreme Champion
In the pre-sale show, this October 2024 born bull had been placed as Supreme Champion by the judge Robert Forde, of the noted Mullynock herd, Tempo. Commenting on his Champion, Mr Forde said: “My Champion was just a lovely, standout bull in the show. He was long, clean, well muscled, and has all the attributes to produce top end market weaners for commercial farmers, and to make a stock bull for a pedigree herd.”
Simmental judge, Robert Forde, Mullynock herd.
Full of breeding, the stylish Gillview Ranger is by the noted AI sire Coose Lincoln (ET) EX 95, and is out of Raceview Millie Fairytale, a Kilbride Farm Delboy 12 daughter purchased from Peter & Marion O’Connell in October 2021. At Stirling in February this year, Coose Lincoln (ET) EX 95 sons made 20,000gns, 19,000gns, 18,000gns, and 13,000gns.
Gillview Ranger’s figures see him in the Simmental breed’s top 15% for Maternal (Milk), and top 5% for Eye Muscle Area. The combination of pedigree, performance, and the bull in himself, caught the eye of commercial suckler man Derek Reaney, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, who paid the day’s top price. Speaking afterwards Mr Reaney said: “I really liked this bull’s picture on Facebook, and then in the flesh when I saw him at the pre-sale show. He’s a very modern type of bull, has a great top line, and plenty of muscle. I run 75 to 80 suckler cows, both Limousin X and Saler X, and my aim is to use Gillview Ranger to breed quality female replacements.”
The sale has come at a very timely moment with Ryan soon to be married to his fiancée Shannon. Commenting, Ryan said: Gillview Ranger has been an outstanding calf from birth and quickly became a firm favourite of mine, and especially of Shannon. In the lead-up to the sale, we were quietly confident as he was looking really well and we’re over the moon that he’s made this record price. It certainly had a feel that fate was on our side, as we were just 10 days away from our wedding at the time of the sale in Dungannon, and Ranger went on to sell for 10,000gns, making “10” a number to remember for us!”
Ryan, who is also the NI Simmental Breeders Club Secretary went on to say: “We are proud to support and promote the Simmental breed here in Northern Ireland, and particularly with Dungannon Mart on our doorstep. We are really delighted to set a new Northern Ireland Simmental sale record, reaching a five-figure price for a bull, and during the NI Simmental Club’s 55th anniversary this year. He’s gone to an excellent home, remaining locally in Tyrone with well-known commercial farmer Derek Reaney, and we would like to wish him every success with Ranger. We also extend our thanks to the mart staff and the Wylie family for their continued support and for hosting Simmental sales in Dungannon over the years.” The sale represents a high price to date for the Gillview herd which presently consists of ten breeding cows. Further success was attained in the show ring last year when Gillview Rocket lifted the Reserve Male Champion at the NI National Show in Clogher.
In a small but quality sale at Dungannon, the bulls sold averaged £5814.37, a new record average and up by £366.80 on last year’s sale, and with a total clearance of the eight bulls forward.
Selling at 7000gns was the upstanding Ashland Silvester from Pat & Frank Kelly, Tempo, Co Fermanagh. January 2025 born this bull is by the AI sire Ashland Brandy, and is out of Raceview Mollyfortuna 887, a Dermotstown Delboy EX 92 daughter. This bull also carried strong performance figures being in the breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease Daughters, and top 15% for Maternal (Milk). Buying this bull was John McGovern, Enniskillen, C Fermanagh.
7000gns Ashland Silvester
At 5600gns was Coolcran Rafiki 24 from Shane & Paul McDonald, Coolcran, Tempo, Co Fermanagh. A feature of the sale bulls offered, Coolcran Rafiki 24 also combined a depth of breeding, strong performance figures, and a prize winning show record. September 2024 born, Rafiki is by Islavale Miami, and is out of Coolcran Heidi’s Khaleesi, a maternal sister to the 26,000gns Coolcran Heidi’s Noreen, and noted as the best cow family in the herd.
With strong performance figures, Coolcran Rafiki 24 is in the breed’s top 10% for Maternal (Milk); is in the top 5% for 600 day weight; top 10% for 200 & 400 day weight; top 5% for Eye Muscle Area; and carried the best Calving Ease Direct figure in the catalogue. With a show record behind him, Coolcran Rafiki 24 was the winner of the DANI Rosebowl for Best Performance Recorded Bull at the NI National Show, Clogher, last year. Coolcran Rafiki 24 was knocked down to Victor MacFarland, Ballygawley, Dungannon.
5600gns Coolcran Rafiki
It was a good day at the sale for Gavin Hayes & Son, Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn, Co Antrim, who kicked off the sale by selling Haystar Revolver for 5200gns John J Cavanagh, Pomeroy, Dungannon.. This April 2024 born bull calf is sired by Lissadell Nailer, and is out of Raceview Lively HW Nicolet, by Clonagh Tiger Gallant, who was purchased from a Raceview reduction sale. In November 2024 this bull was Junior Champion at the NI Simmental Club Calf Show held at Ballymena Livestock Market. At the pre-show sale of bulls at Dungannon, Haystar Revolver was placed Reserve Supreme Champion. Of this bull the judge Robert Forde said: “This was a big, long, square bull. He was excellent on his legs, clean through his brisket, and again should go on to produce excellent, first quality calves.”
5200gns Haystar Revolver, Overall Reserve Champion
On the day the Haystar herd also had the top priced female when they sold the in-calf heifer Haystar Wonder 13 for 5700gns. July 2023 born, Haystar Wonder 13 is by the noted AI sire Corrick Kentucky Kid, and is out of the Cleenagh Flasher daughter Haystar Wonder (ET). Scanned in-calf to Coose Kingston, and due mid May, Haystar Wonder 13 was bought by Ashley Bowden for his Legmurn herd at Stewartstown, Co Tyrone.
AVERAGES:
8 Bulls £5814.37 (+£366.80)
5 Heifers £3927
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart.
by Iain | Feb 17, 2026 | 2026 Stirling Sales, 2026, 2026 Scottish News
67 bulls at 10,000gns and over, within that 11 over 20,000gns
106 bulls sold (+12), sell to average £12,294 (+£2462)
£12,294 an all-breeds record average at Stirling
92% clearance rate
67 bulls at 10,000gns and over, within that 11 at or over 20,000gns
Simmentals lead the breed averages, and numbers sold over the Stirling fortnight
17 bulls sell to the islands
It was a Simmental fireworks display at Stirling on Monday 16th February, as a huge demand from commercial producers saw 106 bulls sell to average an incredible £12,294, up by £2462 on last year’s record, and to set a new all-breeds record average at Stirling.
An amazing 67 bulls sold at 10,000gns and more, and within that there were 27 at 15,000gns and more, and with 11 at 20,000gns and over! The clearance rate was 92%. Over the Stirling Sale fortnight the Simmental breed led the averages and sold the highest number of bulls.
Two bulls topped the trade at 30,000gns. The first of these was the much admired Islavale Rocketman from WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. Entirely homebred this May 2024 born bull is by Islavale McCoist, whose first sons sold to average 17,000gns in October last year, and is out of Islavale Harper EX 90, a Simmental ‘Golden Cow’, whose sons have previously sold to 28,000gns. Purchasing this bull was D&R Durno & Sons for their Auchorachan herd at Glenlivet Ballindalloch. Speaking after the sale, Michael Durno said: “A terrific bull, Rocketman has all the physical attributes I am looking for in a stock bull. He has a tremendous carcase, good legs and feet, great breed character, and is a nice colour with good hair. His pedigree is different from the bloodlines I have in my herd currently, and very importantly he has a lot of EX classified animals in his breeding. That gives me a lot of confidence that he will sire stock that will be correct and functional. I’m very much looking forward to using him on daughters of Coose Nebraska (P) and Hemingford Nelson.” For the prolific Islavale herd, a really top quality team of nine bulls sold to average a mighty £18,200, a record average for the herd at sale and with every bull selling into the teens and more. The nine bulls sold for: 30,000; 19,000 x2; 18,000; 15,000 x2; 14,000; and 13,000 x2. The 30,000gns was also a new record sale mark for the herd. In commenting, Stewart Stronach said: “In breeding bulls I always have maternal traits at the top of my list. I’m not looking for extremes, just good, big long, and square bulls to breed quality females. As a herd we’ve had a good day but it’s great to see such a sale for the Simmental breed and the demand from commercial buyers.”
Islavale Rocketman 24 30,000gns
Also at the 30,000gns mark was Grangewood Romeo 24 from Andrew, Yvonne, & Calum Leedham, Boghead Farm, Tarbolton, Ayrshire. Romeo was the first son to be sold by the 16,000gns Overhill House Neil who led the all-breeds trade at Stirling in May 2023, and is out of the Omorga Alonso sired Grangewood Polly’s Hermione. A bull with power, shape, style, and easy fleshing, Grangewood Romeo carried terrific calving figures and had a show record behind him having been a first prize winner at the 2025 Scottish Simmental National Show. Purchasing the joint top price was the noted Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. For the Leedhams, and their 40 cow Grangewood herd, the 30,000gns was a top price at sale to date. A delighted Andrew Leedham said following the sale: “It was an incredible sale and for us to sell all four bulls to average 15,000gns was unbelievable. Romeo was in my opinion the best bull we have bred. He’s full of style and show presence whilst still retaining the shape and conformation needed for today’s market. Having excellent calving figures backs this up and is one of the main considerations of buyers. We are really pleased he has gone to a top pedigree herd and wish them the very best with him.”
Grangewood Romeo 24 30,000gns
Reece and Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith brought a terrific team of bulls to Stirling which met with another top trade and a leading price of 28,000gns for their Reserve Intermediate Champion, Backmuir Red Rum 24. Entirely homebred this bull is by Backmuir Kingsley, a previous Male Champion at the Scottish National Show, and is out of the Corrick Hayden daughter Backmuir Kreole’s Kylie. This June 2024 born bull was bought by Richard McCulloch for his noted Overhill House herd at Armadale, West Lothian. A pen full of quality bulls with breeding and performance figures, the nine Backmuir entries grossed £142,800 to average £15,866. The Backmuir bulls sold for: 28,000; 22,000; 17,000; 14,000 x2; 11,000; and 10,000gns x3! Of his purchase Backmuir Red Rum, Richard McCulloch said: “This was a tremendous, modern Simmental bull. He was great over his plates, had length to him with shape, and had excellent locomotion with a leg in each corner. In the show ring I thought he had a real ‘wow’ factor and was full of style with a really nice Simmental head, and is the colour I prefer. Just a very well put together bull and one that I think will click in the herd with my Kilbride Farm Merlin daughters.” The 28,000gns was a new Simmental sale high price for the Backmuir team and who beat their previous mark on three occasions through the sale!
Backmuir Red Rum 24 28,000gns
When the gavel had been put down, and the dust had settled, the British Simmental Cattle Society President Chris Martindale reflected on the sale: “It’s been an amazing Simmental Sale day. To sell 67 bulls at 10,000gns and more, and to set an all-breeds record average of £12,294 for the most bulls sold, is a tremendous vote of confidence in the breed. The continuous improvement in these Simmental bulls is there to see and the quality that members are bringing forward just keeps getting better which is a tremendous credit to them. The dual purpose aspect of the Simmental in efficient beef production is really hitting home to commercial cattle farmers and they were very much driving the trade today and going into the high teens for bulls with confidence. We use the term ‘there’s more to Simmental’ but it really is true when you’re getting these top maternal traits combined with the breed’s proven abilities in age at slaughter and daily carcase gain. The way the industry is there’s such an emphasis on breeding quality female replacements and as I’ve said with females being the engine of any suckler herd. When you see heifers with calves at foot now regularly making £5000+, and if you’re needing twelve to fifteen replacements a year, then commercial producers are really seeing the advantage of buying a quality Simmental bull.”
Next best for the Simmers was the 22,000gns paid for Backmuir Ralf 24. This March 2024 born bull is by the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo, and is out of the Islavale Hamilton sired Backmuir Kutz’s Lois. In the pre-sale show judged by Neil McGowan of the noted Incheoch herd at Alyth, Blairgowrie, this bull had placed Senior Champion and Reserve Overall Supreme. Of his Reserve Overall, Neil said: “My Reserve Overall was a very correct, well put together bull, who had length , was well fleshed, and moved really well.” When the hammer fell, this bull was bought jointly by Nick and Nadia Gwynne, and their son Frank who run the Chestermann, and Castlewigg herds at Castlewigg Farm, Whithorn. Commenting, Nadia Gwynne said: “We think this is a really good bull, big and powerful, with excellent locomotion, a good temperament, and excellent breeding behind him. He’s not extreme, but has excellent conformation. We had seen the bull previously and he was very much our first choice to purchase.” Of the sale generally Nadia went on to say: “It was a fantastic sale with tremendous prices throughout and there’s an ever growing recognition that Simms can do it all!”
Backmuir Ralf 24 22,000gns
Also at 22,000gns was the upstanding Coltfield Richard 24 from Cameron and James MacIver Wester Coltfield, Kinloss. This April born bull is a son of Scotland Hill Invader 17 EX 92, who was purchased privately from the Pitgaveny herd, and is out of Coltfield Holly whose only other bull bred sold for 10,000gns. Coltfield Richard was bought by Adrian Ivory for his noted Strathisla herd at Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie and who commented: “We followed the Coltfield bull from the inspection and really liked his scale, conformation, and locomotion, and he also had the figures that we were looking for. From here the plan will be to take semen off him and then put him to a group of cows in the summer. We’re delighted to have got him and look forward to seeing his progeny in due course.” The 22,000gns was a top Simmental sale price to date for the 40-cow Coltfield herd.
Coltfield Richard 24 22,000gns
The first prize in Class Three, and Reserve Senior Champion was the April 2024 born Drumclog Richard from Robbie Hamilton, Allanton Farm, Darvel, Ayrshire. This free moving, stylish, powerful bull was bought by Dennis Isbister, Old Hall, Stromness, Orkney. With a bit of a back story, this was a first Simmental bull at sale for the 24-year-old Robbie, who is a sheep auctioneer at United Auctions. In November 2024 Drumclog Richard was the Junior Male Champion at the Stars of the Future Calf Show. Sired by Newbiemains Mighty 21, this bull is out of Islavale Margarita, purchased privately from Stewart Stronach. The 21,000gns investment for Dennis Isbister followed hard on the heels of him selling Isbister Ricky for 13,500gns at the recent sale of Orkney bred bulls held at Orkney Auction Mart. Commenting Mr Isbister said: “This bull really caught my eye. He had a real presence to him, with a good top and backend, is a lovely dark red colour which I liked, and is a different bloodline for us. We hadn’t seen him prior to the sale but I liked him in the show ring and where he did really well. He’ll be the ‘main man’ within our pedigree and commercial herd. It was a great show of Simmental bulls and a good day for all of the vendors.”
Drumclog Richard 24 21,000gns
Also at the 21,000gns mark was the junior bull Corskie Reebok, who was part of another tremendous pen of Simmental bulls from the Corskie herd of Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie Garmouth, Fochabers. This September bull is by Rathnashan Magnum, who sired the Overall and Reserve Overall Champion at Stirling in October and has sons up to 30,000gns, and is out of Corskie Kirsten EX 91, an Auchorachan farmer 14 daughter. This bull was bought by Reece & Andrew Simmers for their Backmuir herd at Backmuir Farm, Keith. It was another fantastic day for the 180-cow Corskie herd who sold eleven bulls on the day to gross £144,900 and average £13,172. The Corskie bulls sold for 21,000; 20,000; 16,000; 14,000; 13,000; 12,000 x2; 9000; 7500 x2; and 6000gns!
Corskie Reebok 24 21,000gns
As always, the Stirling Sale featured a number of cracking bulls from Northern Ireland. Leading the contingent this time was the heterozygous polled Bridgewater Farm Rocky 24 (P) from Nigel Glasgow, Cookstown, Co Tyrone. This bull is by Coose Lincoln, who has sired bulls up to 14,000gns, and is out of Bridgewater Farm Phyliss 4th. Through the summer of 2025 Rocky 24 (P) was the Northern Ireland National Show Male Champion, and Reserve Male Champion of the Year. Purchasing this bull, who stood second in his class, was Pitgaveny Farm, Elgin, Morayshire. Commenting afterwards a delighted Nigel Glasgow said: “Rocky was a stylish calf from birth and has always shown tremendous potential. He has such a great temperament and has been a pleasure to work with. We’re really pleased with the sale and that he’s gone to such a good home.”
Bridgewater Farm Rocky 24 20,000gns
Hot on the heels of her 30,000gns sale topper in October, Laura Green Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Fochabers, was back in the top prices when selling Garmouth Rebel 24 for 20,000gns to DC Houldey at Kirtleton House, Lockerbie. This September 2024 born bull is by the breed’s former record holder, the 45,000gns Bel Dhu Capercaillie, and whose sons have previously sold to 25,000gns. Garmouth Rebel’s grand dam was Reserve Junior Female Champion at the Royal Highland in 2015. Commenting, Clive Houldey said: “This was a bull with great character, size and shape, had a tremendous growth rate, and some of the best figures in the catalogue, a really top bull. We have a beef suckler herd of about 140 cows within which Garmouth Rebel will be used in due course.”
Garmouth Rebel 24 20,000gns
The third bull to make 20,000gns was the October 2024 born Innerwick Royal Star 24 from Mr & Mrs L Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Dunbar, East Lothian. This October 2024 born bull is by the herd’s noted 17,000gns Wolfstar Jimmy Choo and is out of Innerwick Jenny. In the pre-sale show this stylish young bull won a strong Junior Championship before going on to be tapped out as the day’s Overall Supreme Champion. Commenting on Royal Star 24, the judge Neil McGowan said: “ My Champion was a young bull with presence, who had plenty of style, was good across the plates, and carried a lot of flesh. He had tremendous depth behind him on his hindquarters and had a real sweet bone to him. He moved tremendously well, and very much had a breeder’s head. Just a really good Simmental bull and a worthy Champion out of a strong show of Simmental bulls throughout.” The Champion bull went south to Northamptonshire when being purchased by Peter Donger who runs a noted Saler herd at Seawell Grounds, Towcester. Speaking after the sale, and with Royal Star 24 being a third Overall Supreme Simmental Champion at Stirling/Perth sales for the Innerwick herd, Dorothy Moffat said: “We were really delighted to be pulled out as Overall Champion, and especially with Innerwick Royal Star being so young. He really was always a stylish calf from day one. I’d also like to say thanks to my daughter Louise, and to Stewart and Logan for prepping Royal Star. The overall standard of Simmental bulls was high and reflected in the prices, with some fast bidding. It was a fantastic day for the breed and to be part of it.”
Innerwick Royal Star 24 20,000gns
Closing out the bulls at 20,000gns was another from the Green family’s pen in the shape of Corskie Rad. This May 2024 born bull is by Rathnashan Leonardo, whose sons have been up to 26,000gns, and is out of the Drumagarner Hughes sired Corskie Mia VG 86. This was one of two Corskie bulls purchased by Islay Estates, Bridgend, Isle of Islay. Deep into the junior bulls, the same buyers purchased Corskie Radio 24 for 16,000gns. The October 2024 born Corskie Radio 24 is a son of Blackford Mars 21 EX 93 whose first three sons won the Group of Three and averaged £12,250 at Stirling in October 2025.
Two Islavale bulls in consecutive lots sold for 19,000gns. First at this price was another entirely homebred bull, the March 2024 born Islavale Rascal 24 who is by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX 95, and out of the Atlow Dixon 12 EX 91 daughter Islavale Kit VG 85. With good calving figures and a pedigree full of EX classified cattle, Islavale Rascal went to noted commercial producers JR Graham & Partners, Greenshields, Biggar, Lanarkshire. Islavale Lucifer had previously sired sons up to 13,000gns. The very next bull through the ring also sold for the same money and again commercially. Islavale Rosco is by Coose Lincoln, a sire who has had sons up to 14,000gns, and is out of the Curaheen bandit daughter Islavale Elisha EX 93. Again with EX classified parents, and positive calving figures, this bull was bought by RM MacKay & Sons, Greenvale, Thurso, Caithness.
Islavale Rascal 24 19,000gns
19,000gns Islavale Rosco
Selling a bull to 18,000gns, for the second Simmental Sale in a row, was Anne MacPherson, Blackford Farm, Croy, Inverness with the intermediate section bull Blackford Rafiki 24 (ET). Being by Curlieu Knight, and out of Blackford Aero EX 92 (EX2), this bull is a full brother to the noted Blackford Galaxy, a proven cow breeder, and a past Royal Highland Show Supreme Champion. Another bull heading to Orkney, Blackford Rafiki was knocked down to JI & WN Stout, Whitehall, Stronsay.
Blackford Rafiki 24 18,000gns
Following on from their 30,000gns joint top price, the Leedham team sold another quality bull, Grangewood Revolver 24, for 18,000gns and to cap a top day for them. June 2024, and another of the first sons of the 16,000gns Overhill House Neil, this bull is out of Grangewood Faith’s Imelda. Buying this bull with ‘terrific power, style, length and easy fleshing, and super calving ease figure,’ were commercial producers MM&A Campbell, Watten, Wick, Caithness.
Grangewood Revolver 24 18,000gns
The sensational trade carried right to the end of the catalogue and the third last bull in the ring, Islavale Redneck 24 from the Stronach team made 18,000gns when selling, again commercially, to GM Mitchell & Son, Carslogie, Cupar, Fife. This October 2024 bull is by Coose Lincoln EX 95, and is out of Islavale Topaz 17 VG 86. A strong pedigree full of EX classified cattle, Islavale Redneck was another bull in the sale to carry terrific calving ease and milk figures.
Islavale Redneck 24 18,000gns
A worthy note to the sale was that both the days Supreme and Reserve Supreme Champions in the pre-sale show were sired by Wolfstar bulls from the herd of Alex & Ross King, Ormiston, East Lothian. The quality Simmental bulls brough out from this 70-cow pedigree herd was again evident with Wolfstar selling four bulls on the day to 17,000; 15,000; 13,000; and 10,000gns! Their sale topper at 17,000gns was the April 2024 born Wolfstar Rizzle Kicks. Packed with figures and pedigree, Rizzle Kicks carried some of the highest Terminal Production and Self Replacing indexes on the Simmental database. He is sired by Glenturk Lord of the Rings, and is out Wolfstar Mamma Mia, a Wolfstar Ivan 17 daughter. Going pedigree, Wolfstar Rizzle Kicks was bought by GW Smith for his pedigree Drumsleed herd at Fordoun, Laurencekirk.
Wolfstar Rizzle Kicks 24 17,000gns
The top run of prices continued when Backmuir Royal sold for 17,000gns. Another homebred bull by Backmuir Kingsley, the same sire as the day’s 28,000gns third top price, Backmuir Royal, out of Backmuir Lorrette’s Klassy, a Corrick Hayden 16 daughter, was sold for commercial use to G Wilson, Bridge of Marnoch, Huntly.
Backmuir Royal 24 17,000gns
The quality bulls from Northern Ireland kept coming and with the noted Kilbride Farm herd of the Robson family, Doagh, Ballyclare enjoying another top trade. Bulls from the herd combining depth of pedigree, performance figures, and polled genetics sold for 17,000; 14,000, 13,000, and 11,000gns! Leading their line up was the 17,000gns homozygous polled Kilbride Farm Rathlin P 24 (PP). This July 2024 born bull had stood second in class nine to his stablemate Kilbride Farm Rayban 24 (P). Sired by the herd’s noted Flop Agrochyt (PP), and out of Kilbride Farm Eunice 359N (P), this bull was knocked down to J&A Dunlop, Ashfield Farm, Maybole, Ayrshire. The aforementioned Kilbride Farm Rayban 24 (P) made 14,000gns when being bought by Craighill Farms, Duntrune, By Dundee. Heterozygous polled, and another by Flop Agrochyt (PP), Rayban 24 (P) is out of Kilbride Farm Dora 104M (P).
Kilbride Farm Rathlin P 24 17,000gns
Denizes Rocketman from MA Barlow & Sons, Nr Leyland, Preston, Lancashire made 16,000gns. This July 2024 born bull is one of the first at sale by the £32,000 Corskie Nutmeg, and is out of the Blackford Galaxy daughter Denizes Melody. With top figures again to the fore, this bull was another going commercially and to Stewart farms, Balglass, Lennoxtown, Glasgow. Further Denizes bulls sold to 10,000, and 8,000gns. The first prize bull in Class Eight was the June 2024 born Denizes Ringmaster 24, another by Corskie Nutmeg. This bull was sold after the sale to Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir.
16,000gns Denizes Rocketman
The King family made a further 15,000gns when selling Wolfstar Rock Solid 24 to Allanton Farming, Allanton, Darvel, Ayrshire. This May 2024 born bull is by the 20,000gns Hiltonstown Matrix and is out of Wolfstar Lilac, an Islavale Guy daughter. Rock Solid 24 was sold with terrific Terminal Production and Self Replacing Indexes.
Wolfstar Rock Solid 24 15,000gns
Rounding off the hat-trick for the Leedham family was their June 2024 Grangewood Rembrandt who made 15,000gns when selling to Cornwall and the Kurlycoat pedigree herd of J Gregory, Kerling Farm, Truro, Cornwall. Again by the 16,000gns Overhill House Neil, this bull is out of another Ranfurly Impeccable daughter, Grangewood Polly’s Nikita. Of this bull Jake Gregory said: “ Grangewood Rembrandt had a tremendous breed head and that really drew him to me. He had so much presence to him, and was very correct on his feet and legs. His sire is breeding seriously well, and I believe he has all the makings to be a top stock bull. He’s purchased to serve cows but will also be used in a flushing programme.”
Grangewood Rembrandt 24 15,000gns
Recouping some of his earlier outlay was Richard McCulloch who got 15,000gns for his September 2024 born bull Overhill House Ricki 24. Another bull with good milk figures, Ricki 24 is by the AI sire Broombrae Major, and is out the Lisglass Goldstar daughter Broombrae Rosina K16. Buying this bull was Colin Little, East Bracklinn, Callander.
Back to Islavale and one of the youngest in the catalogue, Islavale Rob Roy, made 15,000gns when being bought by the well-know AJR Farms, Milton of Collieston, Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Another by the homebred Islavale Lucifer 20 EX 95, and out Islavale Imelda, this calf’s pedigree was again packed with EX classified cattle, and having top Maternal (Milk) figures. Even younger, the second last bull to be sold as the demand continued, was Islavale Ronaldo who also made 15,000gns. One of the first bulls for sale by the €8,000 Bighill Parker, Islavale Ronaldo who is out of the Atlow Dixon daughter Islavale Geneva VG 85, was bought by repeat customer A&J Craig of Craigton, Castle Douglas. The last Simmental through the ring, Islavale Reggae a Rockytop Luca son, sold for 14,000gns to the Rennie family from Attonburn, Yetholm.
Islavale Rob Roy 24 15,000gns
Islavale Ronaldo 24 15,000gns
The final bull at 15,000gns came from David Maxwell, Jaw Farm, Fintry, Glasgow when he sold Jaw Redbull 24. June 2024 born this bull is by Wolfstar Mexican Wave 21, and is out of the Curaheen Bandit daughter Jaw Inca. Another with strong Maternal (Milk) figures of +11, Jaw Redbull 24, a third prize bull, was bought by G&A Milne, Standingstones, Banchory, Kincardineshire.
Jaw Redbull 24 15,000gns
OTHER LEADING BULL PRICES:
14,000gns Backmuir Rex sold to Smallburn Farms, Mayne Farm, Elgin, Morayshire
14,000gns Popes Ringleader, sold to Gelston Castle Farms, Borland of Kelton, Castle Douglas, Dumfriesshire
14,000gns Backmuir Rogan sold to E & L Munro, Rogiehill, Skene, Westhill, Aberdeen
Backmuir Rogan 24 14,000gns
14,000gns Braegarrie Rafa sold to M J & C M Hutchinson, Falahill Farm, Heriot
14,000gns Braegarrie Rafa 24
14,000gns14,000gns Kilbride Farm Rayan P sold to Craighill Farms, Duntrune, by Dundee
14,000gns Overhill House Robot sold to Kincraigie Farms, Lumphanan, by Banchory, Aberdeenshire
14,000gns Corskie Ramekin sold to Hodge Livestock, Lesserlinn, Kirkfield Bank, Lanark
Corskie Ramekin 24 14,000gns
14,000gns Scotland Hill Rooster sold to J & J Pattullo, Sandyford, Kirriemuir, Angus
Scotland Hill Rooster 24 14,000gns
14,000gns Islavale Reggae sold to R Rennie, 1 Attonburn Cottage, Yetholm
Islavale Reggae 24 14,000gns
13,000gns Islavale Risky sold to J R & J A Barron, Findowrie Farm, Brechin, Angus
13,000gns Coltfield Rascal sold to J Walker & Sons, Sauchenbush, Echt, Aberdeenshire
Coltfield Rascal 24 13,000gns
13,000gns Islavale Rome sold to M J & J Mclaren, Fintalich, Muthill, Crieff, Perthshire
13,000gns Wolfstar Ragnar sold to J W Hogg, Longyester, Gifford, East Lothian
13,000gns Omorga Rocky sold to J T & L I Wilson, Cassindilly Farm, Ceres, Cupar, Fife
13,000gns Kilbride Farm Ragnar PP sold to James Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso, Roxburghshire
13,000gns Corskie Ranch sold to John W Sutherland & Son, Granton Mains, Bower, by Wick, Caithness
Corskie Ranch 24 13,000gns
12,000gns Rockytop Rodeo sold to Richard Elliott, Lordsview, High Moor, Farm, Tadcaster
12,000gns Mavsey Ragnarok sold to C M Hanson, Fields Place, Dilwyn, Hereford
12,000gns Corskie Ridgy sold to G Smith & Sons, West Bolton, Alnwick, Northumberland
Corskie Ridgy 24 12,000gns
12,000gns Corskie Regulus sold to Cobbleheugh Farms, Cobbleheugh, Dinnet
Corskie Regulus 24 12,000gns
11,000gns Backmuir Ronaldo sold to T Dun & Sons, Brothershiels, Heriot, Mid Lothian
11,000gns Kilbride Farm Rupert sold to Chapman Farms, West Cockmuir, Strichen, Fraserburgh
10,000gns Denizes Regal P sold to Hamilton Organic Ltd, Aikengall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar
10,000gns Wolfstar Reprobate sold to James Barrie, Greenlaw, Duns, Berwickshire
10,000gns Braegarrie Rosco sold to Herries Farms, Caerlaverock Estate, Lantonside, Glencaple
Braegarrie Rosco 10,000gns
10,000gns Finlarg Robbie P sold to Hamilton Organic Ltd, Aikengall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar
10,000gns Pitmudie Rothesay sold to J W Fullerton & Sons, Corsbie, Earlston, Berwickshire
Pitmudie Rothesay 24 10,000gns
10,000gn Delfur Remarkabull 24 sold to W S L Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Stromness, Orkney
10,000gns Kurlycoat Rocco sold to D W Sinclair, Unigarth, Sandwick, Orkney
10,000gns Backmuir Ribeye sold to G J & E Harper, Broadsea Farm, Burnhervie, Inverurie
10,000gns Popes Raasay sold to Philiphaugh Estates, Old Mill Farm, Selkirk
Popes Raasay 24 10,000gns
10,000gns Pistyll Rocky sold to Colin Inglis, Blairsgreen Farm, Saline, Fife
Pistyll Rocky 24 10,000gns
10,000gns Drumsleed Razor P sold to W & J Coghill, Ackergill Mains, Wick, Caithness
10,000gns Strathisla Ratatouille sold to Nunappleton Estate, Home Farm, Roebuck, York
10,000gns Auchorachan Ronnie P sold to Smallburn Farms, Mayne Farm, Elgin, Morayshire
10,000gns Lisglass Real Deal sold to R R & M S McCarlie, WR Hassockrigg Farm, Harthill, Shotts Lanarkshire
10,000gns Coltfield Rhysand sold to B Ross, Torran Farm, Delny, Invergordon
10,000gns Strathisla Rusty sold to I B Richardson, Ardlebank, Edinburgh
Scotland Hill Rob 24 9000gns
by Iain | Dec 15, 2025 | 2025 North West News, 2025 News, 2025 Carlisle Sales, 2025
14,000gns record price for Islavale heifer calf
Served Heifers average £7962
Maiden Heifers average £4318
Heifer Calves average £9975
There were a few early Christmas crackers at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday 12th December as two heifers made 15,000gns, and with a weaned heifer calf at 14,000gns, to lead the fifth staging of the Next Generation Simmental Sale of Females & Weaned Calves.
Sitting top of the tree was the ‘lady in red’ Denizes Eunice 5th from MA Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. This June 2023 born heifer by Saltire Impressive and out of the Denizes Hamish 16 daughter Denizes Eunice 2nd, was sold scanned in-calf to Omorga Noah. Earlier in the day Denizes Eunice 5th had been placed Overall Supreme Female Champion in the pre-sale show by the judge Jonathan Gunn of the noted Mavsey Herd, Lybster, Caithness. Come sale time, and after some spirited bidding, the judge backed up his placings when buying his Champion for the day’s joint top price of 15,000gns. Of his Champion animal Jonathan Gunn said: “A worthy Champion this was a heifer with sheer size and power. She was very correct, walked well on good legs, and had a super temperament. I have no doubt she will go on and grow into a big, wide square Simmental cow.” For the noted 80-cow Denizes herd, the 15,000gns was a top price to date for a pedigree female sold at auction and eclipsing the 10,000gns they’ve received twice at previous Nxt Gen Sales. Commenting, John Barlow said: “It’s a big thing for us to sell at this Next Gen Sale not just for the Denizes herd but also for the Simmental breed. We felt we had brought a quality heifer in herself with some really good blood lines behind her, and we’re delighted to both win the Championship and achieve the sale joint top price. We wish Jonathan Gunn all the best with her going forward.”
15,000gns Denizes Eunice 5th, Overall female Champion & Joint Top Price
Also at this 15,000gns mark was Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar from Paul & Sharrie Cade, Buckden, Peterborough. This stylish heifer came to Carlisle with a show track record behind her and including having been the Reserve Supreme Champion, Female Champion, and Junior Champion at the 2025 Simmental English National Show. With a depth of breeding behind her, this January 2024 born heifer is by Sacombe Jameson 18, and is out of Brandane Kathleen. Purchasing this heifer as a foundation female for a new herd was well-known pedigree breeder Mary Cormack, Leominster, Herefordshire.
15,000gns Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar, Sale Joint Top Price
Topping the weaned calf trade at 14,000gns, a sale record for a heifer calf, was the youngest entry in the catalogue in the shape of the classy Islavale Amanda 17 (P) from Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. This heterozygous polled calf is the first calf offered at sale by the herd’s junior stock bull Incheoch Niko (PP), and is out of Islavale Amanda 11 GP 84. Having earlier stood as Reserve Champion in the Weaned Calves, Islavale Amanda 17 (P), was bought by Hannah Wood, for her establishing Deerwood pedigree herd at Dutton, Preston, Lancashire. Of his Reserve Weaned Calf, the judge Jonathan Gunn commented: “This was a tremendous young calf, very flashy, and full of style. She has all the makings to be a super Simmental breeding female.”
14,000gns Islavale Amanda, Reserve Champion Weaned Calf, and a record Nxt Gen Sale price for a weaned heifer calf.
The sale saw the pedigree lots sell across England, Scotland, and Wales, with buyers comprising of new and established breeders. A strong trade for the Simmental X Hi Health Heifers on offer was topped at 4300gns for quality 17-19 month old heifers from Alex Bulmer, Malton, North Yorkshire.
Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian, sold the in-calf September 2023 born heifer Overhill House Pamela for 8000gns. Pamela is the first heifer to be offered at sale by the herd’s 30,000gns stock bull Denizes Lancelot. Out of Overhill House Missy, an Aultmore Goliath 15 daughter, Overhill House Pamela was bought by Miss Darcey Roberts for her Darceys pedigree herd at Haughton Farm, Ellesmere, Shropshire. Speaking afterwards, Mr Roberts said: “The Darceys herd was started for our daughter and at the moment it consists of 18 breeding females. Nxt Gen was a great sale and really gave us the opportunity to buy some quality genetics which we are very excited about. Overhill House Pamela was a very correct heifer, wide on her plates, was well balanced, very square, and with good legs. She had all of the traits and breeding we were looking for.” The very previous lot, the same purchaser bought Overhill House Pixie for 5500gns. Again full of breeding, this September 2023 born in-calf heifer is by Pistyll Kingsman, the sire of the 46,000gns Overhill House Nero, and is out of another Aultmore Goliath 15 daughter Overhill House May.
8000gns Overhill House Pamela
TS&GE Powell, Burlton Lane Farm, Myddle, Shrewsbury bought two heifers at 7000gns for their 15-cow Burlane pedigree herd, and with both from the aforementioned Stronach’s Islavale herd. First up was the entirely homebred Islavale Rae who in the pre-sale show had placed as the day’s Overall Reserve Female Champion. This October 2024 born heifer, with a top Maternal (Milk) figure of +11, is by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX 95, who has sired bulls sold up to 13,000gns, and is out of the polled Islavale Jinx (P) EX 90, a Curaheen Giant 2 daughter. Of the Reserve Champion Jonathan Gunn said: This was another really smart heifer with a flashy head and plenty of femininity. With growth and size for her age she is another with all of the attributes to be a very typical, high quality Simmental cow.” Also at this same 7000gns price was another maiden heifer in the shape of Islavale Regal. November 2024 born, Islavale Regal is the first calf to be sold by the Imported Bighill Parker EX 90, and is out of Islavale Fantasia EX 94 who has bred bulls to 11,500gns.
7000gns Islavale Rae Overall Female Reserve
7000gns Islavale Regal
As well as their joint top price, the Cade herd of Paul & Sharrie Cade also sold the January 2024 born maiden heifer Cade Fifi’s Rene (ET) for 6500gns. Full of breeding and performance figures, Fifi’s Rene is out of the noted 22,000gns Sterling Celia’s Fifi, and is sired by Dovefields Gallant a bull excellent figures for both calving ease and maternal (milk). This heifer sold to the Cracoe pedigree herd of Mr M Webster, Whittakers Barn Farm, Cracoe, Skipton, North Yorkshire. Speaking of his purchase Mr Webster said: “We felt this heifer had a great presence, was very stylish, had good width and depth to her, and a really good top line. She has as super temperament and we also like her back pedigree. It was a cracking sale offering a great choice of heifers and genetics, and we’re delighted to have bought Cade Fifi’s Rene.” The Cracroe pedigree herd presently comprises of 30 animals in total including fifteen breeding females.
6500gns Cade Fifi’s Rene
At 6200gns was Auchorachan Remi Nanny from D&R Durno & Sons, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Banffshire. This young September 2024 born heifer was the first to be offered at sale by the herd’s imported heterozygous polled bull Coose Nebraska (P), and is out of the Auchorachan Hercules sired Auchorachan Luxury Nanny VG 85, a grand daughter of the herd’s noted breeding cow Auchorachan Autumn EX 94. Staying locally, this heifer was purchased by JB & EJ Peile Ltd, Greystoke Castle Farm, Penrith. On the day, the Auchorachan herd also sold the Hemingford Nelson 22 EX 93 daughter, and first prize winner in Class Five, Auchorachan Rusty Madie for 5000gns to Raeside Farm, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Three fifteen month old Simm Hi Health Heifers from Auchorachan also sold well at 3200gns.
6200gns Auchorachan Remi Nanny
Standing second in Class One to the Overall Female Champion, was Backmuir Eva’s Polly from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith. This in-calf heifer went on to make 6000gns when selling to Innes Farms, Caikwhill, Huntly, Aberdeenshire. By the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo, and out of Starline Eva, Backmuir Eva’s Polly was AI’d to the 46,000gns Overhill House Neo, and ran with the homebred Backmuir Nemo. Backmuir also sold Backmuir Lina’s Puma for 5000gns, and Backmuir Kassidy’s Poppy for 4200gns.
Also selling at 6000gns was Simply Trixi Pandora from the Lancashire based herd of Mr & Mrs R Fitton, Moss Hall Farm, Bolton. Full of breeding this October 2023 born heifer is by the prolific Denizes Hamish 16, and is out of Annick Trixi Belle 9th EX 92, purchased at the Annick Dispersal Sale. Scanned in-calf to Coose Lincoln, this heifer who stood second in Class Two went to Wales when being purchased by Mr Aled Davies for his Hirwaun pedigree herd at Wern Villa, Ponthirwaun, Cardigan.
Female Champions Presentation, Denizes Eunice 5th, and Islavale Rae
Weaned Calf Champions Presentation, Coolcran Lady Shakira, and Islavale Amanda (P)
Champion Weaned Calf Coolcran Lady Shakira
Other leading prices:
105 5500gns Messrs Roberts Ltd, Ellesmere, Shropshire
102 5000gns Allanton Farming, Darvel, Ayrshire
3rd prize class one
118 5000gns Messrs Mcculloch, Bathgate, West Lothian
2nd prize class three
123 5000gns Messrs Taylor & Sons, Ardeonaig, Killin
3rd prize class four
129 5000gns Raeside Farms Ltd, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
1st prize class five
135 5000gns Messrs Pettit, Fochabers, Morayshire
1st prize class six & Champion Weaned Calf
Averages
6 Served Heifers £7962.50
17 Maiden Heifers £4317.94
2 Heifer Calves £9975.00
20 Commercial Heifers £2898.00
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