by Iain | Jun 26, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 Royal Highland Show, 2026 News, Uncategorised
Delfur Nifty wins Female Championship and Overall Reserve
Corskie Stone take the Overall Junior Championship
Simmentals win Team of Four Interbreed for first time since 1998
Simmentals lift Reserve In Overall Individual, and Pairs Interbreeds
Backmuir Rambo 24 from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, powered though a quality line up of Simmentals to win the breed’s Male Championship and be crowned Overall Simmental Supreme Champion on day one of the 2026 Royal Highland Show held at Ingliston, on Thursday 18th June.
Overall Simmental Supreme Champion Backmuir Rambo
Remarkably this is the fifth time in a row the highly noted Backmuir herd has won the Simmental Supreme at the Royal Highland, and the first time with a homebred animal. This ‘five in a row’ is thought to be a Simmental record and possibly the first time it has been achieved by any beef breed exhibitor at this blue riband event for Scottish livestock.
Played out in front of the judge for the day, Adrian Ivory of the Strathisla herd, Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie, this January 2024 born upstanding young bull came through his class before taking the Male Championship and finally getting the all important Championship tap in front of the packed ringside crowd.
Full of breeding, Backmuir Rambo 24 is an ET calf sired by the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo, and out of Brandane Lu Lu, who was also 18,000gns when purchased at the Next Gen II Sale held at Carlisle in December 2022. Commenting on his Champion, the judge Adrian Ivory said: “This was very much my type of bull and just full of flash and presence he caught my eye immediately. A very modern type of Simmental bull he’s full of breed character with a lovely head, is very natural, has plenty of length with a good top and end, and walked well. A super Simmental bull and a classy Champion.”
Simmental judge, Adrian Ivory
The amazing ‘five in a row’ for Reece & Andrew Simmers started back in 2022 when they won the Royal Highland with Islavale Lullaby (purchased at the first Next Gen Sale in 2020). The following 2023, 2024, 2025 years saw the iconic Annick Ginger’s Lucia win a personal hat trick and make it four in a row, and with the homebred Backmuir Rambo now stepping up to make it an incredible five wins. Along the way there’s also been an Individual Interbreed Supreme, and now Reserve!
With a little time for reflection, a delighted Reece Simmers said: “After last year I said it was a forward aim to win the Championship with a homebred animal so to achieve that so soon we are all really delighted. Winning five in a row is very humbling and beyond any expectation you could reasonably have. The standard and quality of Simmental cattle in that time has been so high and ever improving. For the Backmuir herd to now have this little piece of history in the 183rd year of Scotland’s premier agricultural show is something really special.”
“Rambo has length, width, size for his age, has a sweet head, a depth of hip, and is square on the plates. He’s the colour we like, has plenty of presence, and we think is similar in type to the 22,000gns Backmuir Ralf (also a Jackaroo son) sold at Stirling in February this year. He’s got cows in calf due in September, and after a wee rest now will be put out back to work.” Just rounding it all up, Backmuir Rambo was Overall Simmental Supreme; Simmental Male Champion; part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four; Overall Reserve in the Individual Interbreed; and Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs.
Winning a high end Female Championship was another animal with a Royal Highland Show pedigree behind her in the shape of Delfur Nifty from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. This much decorated young 2022 born cow, was shown with her cracking second calf at foot, a heifer also named Nifty, and by the 28,000gns herd stock bull Islavale Magnum.
Delfur Nifty
Needing little introduction, Delfur Nifty has been a prolific Championship and Interbreed winner across multiple calf shows, winter fairs, county shows, and summer ‘majors’. Writing her own little bit of breed history, in 2024 she became the first Simmental to win the Royal Highland Show Interbreed Junior Championship! Delfur Nifty is by Ballymoney Larry, a Saltire Impressive son, and is out of Delfur Joyful, an Islavale Cassius daughter.
It was a mighty judge off in the Female Championship with Delfur Nifty getting the Championship nod over the legendary Annick Ginger’s Lucia who took the reserve Female Championship. Of his Female Champion and Overall Reserve Supreme, Adrian Ivory said: “What a fantastic example of a Simmental female this is. A ‘working mum’ she is very maternal with a great bag on her and making a terrific job of her outstanding calf at foot. With a flashiness and presence, she has a good breed head, walks well, is full of length and with a good top. Another very modern, high quality Simmental cow.”
Speaking afterwards a delighted Garry Patterson, the Delfur Simmental Herd Manager said: “It’s been a fantastic show and to win the Female Championship and Overall Reserve Supreme with the quality that was on show is just tremendous. To then follow that up with being a part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four, and Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs is just tremendous. It’s a great follow on from winning the Junior Individual Interbreed with her in 2024. In herself she’s a big, upstanding, powerful female full of breed character, and with good mobility. This is her first calf at foot sired by Islavale Magnum and she’s making a great job of her with plenty of milk. She’s a special, benchmark female but very much of the type that we’re aspiring to breed in the Delfur herd.”
Overall Reserve Simmental Female Champion Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Placing Overall Reserve Female was the aforementioned legendary Annick Ginger’s Lucia from Andrew & Reece Simmers, Backmuir Farm. Lucia’s name is already cemented into Simmental breed history with her hat-trick of Overall Supreme wins at the Royal Highland, the Individual Overall Interbreed Supreme at the Highland in 2024, a hat-trick of Individual Supremes at the Scottish National Show, and multiple major wins at Scottish county shows! This 2020 born cow is of course by Wolfstar Gold Digger, and is out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger EX 93.
In keeping with recent years, it was again another hugely successful show for the Simmental breed. The win in the Interbreed Team of Four was the first time this title has been secured by the Simmental breed since 1998. Taking Overall Reserve in both the Overall Individual Interbreed, and Interbreed Pairs, once again gave the breed terrific visibility and profile. Another fantastic show of Simmental cattle and again indicative of the ever improving quality within the Simmental breed. A massive well done to all of the exhibitors.
Overall Junior Champion, & Champion Junior Male, Corskie Stone
Back in the bulls and the young April 2025 born Corskie Stone from the also prolific Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers, lifted a nice double when winning the Overall Junior Championship, and Junior Male Championship. Corskie Stone, is by the stock bull Rathnashan Magnum, and is out of Corskie Migem. No strangers to the winners circle, the Overall Junior Championship made it two in a row with the classy Corskie Pinnette having won it last year. With a bit of connectivity, Corskie Stone’s great granny, Corskie Hi-Gem VG 88 was a full sister to Corskie Cegem who won the Junior Interbreed at the Highland in 2013. Corskie also won the Junior Interbreed title in 2016. Of his Overall Junior Champion, the judge Adrian Ivory said: “This young bull just oozed style and breed character. He walked very well, had a good top, with width to him, and was very good over the plates. A standout bull and with a big future ahead of him.” These comments were echoed by Laura Green who said: “He’s a very modern Simmental bull with plenty of length, good width, and a nice shape behind. He’s also got a lovely temperament and from here we’ll be aiming him at either the October Stirling Sale or February next year.”
Reserve Overall Male Champion, Denizes Nugget
Coming through the senior bulls and winning the Overall Reserve Male Championship was the mighty Denizes Nugget from Lancashire breeders Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston. The June 2022 born Denizes Nugget, bred by M A Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, was purchased for 37,000gns at Stirling in February 2024. Sired by Denizes Hamish, and out of the noted Ashland Topaz Lopez, Nugget arrived at Ingliston weighing in at 1500kgs! Commenting, Vikki Wood said: “We’re really pleased to support such a prestigious show and represent the breed by showing a big, quality Simmental bull. Nugget has great width, length, and conformation, and is good on his feet and legs. He’s got good breeding behind him, is very easy to handle, and is breeding very well. Nugget is entered into the Royal Norfolk, Great Yorkshire, and Royal Welsh so he’s on tour at this summer’s shows!”
Reserve Overall Junior Champion & Champion Junior Female, Denizes Matilda 21st
Winning the Junior Female Championship, and Overall Junior Reserve, was Denizes Matilda 21st from the aforementioned MA Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. September 2024 born, this powerful, growthy heifer is another by Denizes Hamish, and is out of Denizes Matilda 5, a daughter of a previous Royal Highland Show Champion, Blackford Galaxy. Denizes Matilda 21st will also now move on to the Simmental English National Show held within the Royal Norfolk.
Reserve Junior Female Champion, Guiltcross Saffon
All the way from Norwich and making their debut as exhibitors at the Royal Highland Show was Marcus & Helen Searle, Wagon Lodge, Kenninghall. It was a more than worthwhile journey with their February 2025 born heifer Guiltcross Saffron winning her class and taking the Reserve Junior Female Championship. Full of breeding Saffron, described as ‘a stylish, modern heifer, thick set, and fantastic across the plates’ is by the noted Woodhall Ferrari 14, and out of Brandane Kirsty, a Sterling Gino 15 daughter. Speaking afterwards, Helen Searle said: “This is our first time at the Highland and was just a great opportunity to see how we stack up against some of the biggest breeders in the Simmental breed. It’s also a bit of promotion as we have bulls sired by her full brother that we’re aiming for Stirling in October. To get Reserve Junior Female was amazing and beyond any expectations given the standard of Simmentals at the Highland.”
Reserve Champion Junior Male, Tippetcraig Someboy
Staying in the juniors and it was a terrific Reserve Junior Male Championship win for the Burns Family, Tippetcraig Farm, High Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire with their young bull Tippetcraig Someboy (P). Tippetcraig Simmentals were established in 2023 and this was the first time the family had shown a homebred Simmental at Ingliston. Remarkably, the Reserve Junior Male Championship was also secured in the Highland pedigree classes, a breed the family has been showing for some years. Of Tippetcraig Someboy, Lindsay Stark said: “We think he’s a long, clean and modern polled bull, with a tremendous top on him. He has a natural flashy presence about him which makes him a joy to show. We have really enjoyed bringing this bull on because of his lovely nature, and he’s simply a delight to work with. All being well, Tippetcraig Someboy will head to the Stirling bull sales this October.” This latest prize follows on from Tippetcraig Someboy winning the Junior Male Championship at the Stars of the Future Calf Show in November last year.
Tippetcraig Someboy (P) is by Kilbride Farm Maverick, a son of the noted Kilbride Farm Jetstream, and is out of Broombrae Rosina M2 21, a Lisglass Goldstar daughter purchased in February 2023 at Stirling. Fast establishing, the Tippetcraig herd presently comprises of fifteen breeding females.
Simmental Overall Interbreed Team of Four Champions
From a quality entry, the breed was able to put forward some fantastic combinations in the respective Interbreeds. Leading the way was the Team of Four who secured a first Championship win for the Simmental breed in this ‘blue riband’ interbreed since 1998. Joining Backmuir Rambo, and Delfur Nifty, was two heifers who had to be under three years of age. First up was the class winner Drumsleed Rachel 24 (P) from regular exhibitors and past Champions Geral & Morag Smith, Fordoun, Laurencekirk. This June 2024 born heifer is by the homozygous polled Coose Negotiator (PP) and is out of Drumsleed Granola 15. Completing the winning team was Bowhill Ruth from D&R Holdings, Newmiln, Ayrshire, and who had stood second in her class to the Junior Female Champion. Bowhill Ruth is by Denizes Lancelot and is out of Overhill House Mary, an Aultmore Goliath daughter. August 2024 born, Bowhill Ruth as a yearling baby, stood as reserve Junior Female at last year’s Scottish Simmental National Show.
Supreme Championship Backmuir Rambo & Delfur Nifty
Male Championship Backmuir Rambo & Denizes Nugget
Female Championship Delfur Nifty & Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Junior Championship Corskie Stone & Denizes Matilda 21st
Junior Male Championship Corskie Stone & Tippetcraig Someboy
Junior Female Championship Guiltcross Saffron & Denizes Matilda 21st
2026 Royal Highland Show
Thursday 18th June 2026
Judge Mr Adrian Ivory, Meigle, Blairgowrie, Perthshire
Results
Class 263 Female born on or after 1st April 2025
1st Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Skye
2nd WJ&J Green 2827 Corskie Siller
3rd Gavin Brown Springfield Skylar
Pitmudie Skye
Class 264 Female born between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st MG Searle Guiltcross Saffron
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Southern
3rd J&K McMillan Brandane Sporty Spice
4th Delfur Farms Delfur Shakira
Reserve Champion Junior Champion, Guiltcross Saffon
Class 265 Female born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2024
1st Barlow Brothers Denizes Matilda 21st
2nd Bowhill Simmentals Bowhill Ruth
3rd WJ&J Green Corskie Role Play
4th Gavin Brown Springfield Rose
Reserve Overall Junior Champion & Champion Junior Female, Denizes Matilda 21st
Class 266 Female born on or between 1st January and 30th June 2024
1st Gerald Smith Drumsleed Rachel 24
2nd Laura Green Garmouth Kim’s Rachel
3rd R&A Simmers Backmuir Lu Lu’s Rosalu
4th Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Robyn
Drumsleed Rachel 24
Class 268 Female Born in 2021 or 2022 in milk or certified in calf at time of show
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Mimic
3rd R&A Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
Class 269 Female born on or before 31st December 2020, in milk of certified in calf at time of show
1st R&A Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
2nd JH&VG Wood Popes Princess Lumi
Class 270 Bull born on or after 1st April 2025
1st WJ&J Green Corskie Stone
2nd J&E Dyet Merkland Supersonic
3rd N&N Gwynne Chestermann Sandy
4th Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Shetland
Class 271 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st The Burns Family Tippetcraig Someboy
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Sunnyd
Class 272 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st December 2024
1st R&A Simmers Backmuir Rambo
Class 273 Bull born on or before 31st December 2023
1st JH&VG Wood Denizes Nugget,
2nd Clive Houldey Backmuir Nate,
Champion Junior Female
Denizes Matilda 21st Barlow Brothers
Reserve Champion Junior Female
Guiltcross Saffron MG Searle
Overall Champion Female
Delfur Nifty, Delfur Farms
Overall Reserve Champion Female
Annick Ginger’s Lucia R&A Simmers
Champion Junior Male
Corskie Stone, WJ&J Green
Reserve Champion Junior Male
Tippetcraig Someboy The Burns Family
Overall Champion Male
Backmuir Rambo R&A Simmers
Reserve Overall Champion Male
Denizes Nugget JH&VG Wood
Overall Champion Junior
Corskie Stone WJ&J Green
Reserve Overall Champion Junior
Denizes Matilda 21st Barlow Brother
Overall Supreme Champion
Backmuir Rambo R&A Simmers
Reserve Supreme Champion
Delfur Nifty Delfur Farms
Best Group
R&A Simmers
by Iain | May 22, 2026 | 2026 Other Sales, 2026, 2026 Welsh News, 2026 News
Wroxall, and Pistyll bulls sell to 5500gns
22 lots sold in all across the catalogue
The four year old Tirley Buttercup from Steve White Tarporley, Cheshire, sold with her heifer calf at foot, Tirley Tulip, made 6000gns to lead the establishing Welshpool Simmental Sale held on Thursday 21st May, at Welshpool Livestock Sales, Buttington Cross, Welshpool.
6000gns Tirley Buttercup and Tirley Tulip
June 2022 born, Tirley Buttercup is by Rathnashan Lobster Pot, a Shacon Hannibal son, and is out of Tirley Jade by Team Celtic. She was sold with her recently born heifer calf at foot, Tirley Tulip sired by Rathnashan Realbadman. This second calver, who has been successfully shown since being a calf, was bought by P&MA Lovatt, who run the Longedge pedigree herd at Biddulph, Stoke on Trent.
For Steve White, this was the second year in a row he has led this sale with the bull Tirley Rockafella leading the inaugural fixture in 2025. The very last animal through the ring was the young bull Tirley Shogun 25 (P), a Coose Negotiator (PP) son and who made 4100gns when selling to GJ Steeples, Nutthull, Nottingham.
The second staging of this Simmental Sale at Welshpool saw bulls sell to 5500 x2, 5200, and 5000 x2, with seven of the ten forward selling to average £5145. Fifteen pedigree and commercial females also sold with pedigree females at 6000gns, and 4000gns x2.
5500gns Wroxall Rolls Royce (P), Reserve Champion
Selling at 5550gns was Wroxall Rolls Royce 24 (P), from CH Evans and Son, Kington Grange Farm, Kington Lane, Claverdon, Warwickshire. Sired by Rendham Noble (P), and out of Wroxall Magical-Lady (PP), a Forsdale Gallipoli 15 daughter, Wroxall Rolls Royce is heterozygous polled, and carried a strong Self Replacing Index in the top 5% of the breed. Earlier in the day, Wroxall Rolls Royce (P) had placed Overall Reserve Champion in the pre-sale show of bulls judged by James Arnold of the noted Vale Royal herd, Little Budworth, Tarporley, Cheshire. Commenting on his Reserve Champion Mr Arnold said: “This is a beefy type Simmental bull who is very good across the top, and carried plenty of muscle and end.” Come sale time, Wroxall Rolls Royce (P) was purchased by CM Mercer who run the 300 cow Bowley herd at Bowley Court, Bowley Court Farms, Hope Under Dinmore, Leominster.
Judge James Arnold giving the 5200gns Wroxall Russell (PP) the once-over during the show classes.
The very next lot saw Wroxall Russell 24 (PP) make 5200gns when selling to E Agri Ltd, Ellerdine Grange, Telford. September 2024 born, and homozygous polled, Wroxall Russell 24 (PP) is also by Rendham Noble 22 (P), and is out of the Coose Gambler (P) daughter Wroxall Legs-Eleven-Zilla (P).
5500gns Lambclose Sergio, sold by the Pistyll herd.
The second bull at 5500gns was Lambclose Sergio 25 from the Pistyll Herd of GA & HM Francis, Pistyll Uchaf, Abergorlech, Carmarthen. This March 2025 born bull had been purchased as a calf at foot in November 2025 at the successful Lambclose Dispersal Sale also held at Welshpool. The first prize winner in the final class of the day, Sergio is by Denizes Mombassa, a son of the noted Denizes Hamish, and is out of Lambclose Jess. Purchasing this bull who carried very good Calving Ease Direct figures, was SPR & L Reed & Co, Rhosygadair Fawr, Blaenamerch, Cardigan.
Championship Presentation with Overall Champion Dovefields Regent, right, and Wroxall Rolls Royce (P), left.
OTHER PRICES:
Bulls
5000gns Crugmelyn Rglen to TJ & SJ Adkins, Bomere Farm, Shrewsbury
5000gns Banwy Rex 24 (P) to WS & PM Bartram, Meadowhirst Farm, Grindley, Stafford
Heifers
4000gns Cwarre Rosie’s Raspberry to D Edwards, Gors Fawr, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
4000gns Cwarre Rosie’s Rhubarb to J&P Thompson, Shavington Lodge, Crewe, Cheshire
Simm Hi Health Heifers 14 Months old from the Benavente herd of G Martinez, Malpas, Cheshire sold to £2500, £2450, £2400, £2350 x2.
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, 2026 North West News, 2026 News, 2026 Carlisle Sales, 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.
Recent Comments