• 97 bulls average a new February record of £7,260, up £425 on the year • Clearance rate of 88% with eight more bulls sold on the year • 28,000gns bull sets a new Northern Ireland Simmental record • Two bulls break the 20,000gns mark with twenty bulls in all at 9,000gns and over • Bulls sell to all four home nations, and with nine heading to Orkney
There was a snap, crackle, and record-breaking pop to the Simmental Bull Sale at United Auctions, Stirling, on Monday 21st February, with some fierce bidding from start to finish generating a new breed record average at this fixture of £7,260, up by £425 on the year and for 97 bulls sold, up by eight on the year. With commercial breeders again going head-to-head with pedigree breeders for the quality bulls on offer, the sale continued the surge in demand for Simmentals with this being the fourth Stirling fixture, and fifth Society Sale, in a row where a new record mark has been set.
Leading the sale at 28,000gns, and setting a new record top price for a Simmental bull from Northern Ireland, was the stylish Bannhill Farm Masterpiece from Alan Wilson, Rathfriland, Co Down. In the pre-sale show, in front of the judge Colin Fordyce who runs the Blair herd at Islabank Farm, Meigle, Blairgowrie, and is also herd manager at Strathisla Farms, this June born bull won the Intermediate section before going on to lift the Overall Supreme title. Commenting on his champion, Colin Fordyce said: “This is a typical and modern Simmental bull with a lot of class. He had tremendous length with plenty of shape but is not extreme. Really good across the plates, he had good legs, walked well, and really showed himself. A quality bull and a worthy champion from within a strong show of Simmentals.”
Come sale time, there was a tingle in the air as Bannhill Farm Masterpiece raced through the gears before reaching 28,000gns and being knocked down to Noel Kilpatrick who runs the Ballymoney pedigree herd at Banbridge, Co Down. Of his purchase a delighted Mr Kilpatrick said: “This is the best Simmental bull that I have seen since I purchased Saltire Impressive back in 2018. I couldn’t find a fault on him. He is a great walker with a good back end, plenty of length and a lovely head, just very pleasing on the eye. People might ask, why is a man with 26 breeding females spending this kind of money on a bull, and I say that it’s because I want the best quality bull to enhance my herd! The aim from here is that Masterpiece will go straight to stud, while I wait to bring him home. The bull has been purchased in partnership with Bartley Finnegan of Elite Pedigree Genetics and we will be making his semen available throughout the UK as soon as possible. A further aim is to produce sexed semen to target the dairy industry which is important in the trade in Northern Ireland.”
Bannhill Farm Masterpiece is sired by the 12,000gns AI bull Kilbride Farm Bantry and is the fifth calf bred out of his dam Ballinalare Farm Evita, a full sister to the noted Ballinalare Farm Galaxy she is by the 21,000gns Auchorachan Wizard. This breeding line has seen success at Stirling previously with Mr Wilson selling Masterpiece’s full brother Ballinalare Farm Legacy at the corresponding sale last year for 10,000gns.
It was a terrific day for Northern Irish breeders with the top two prices both coming from the province and further five figure bulls from NI herds selling throughout the sale. Selling at 20,000gns was the much admired Reserve Junior Champion Hiltonstown Matrix from Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, County Antrim. September 2021 born, this calf is by the noted sire Saltire Impressive and is out of the Kilbride Farm Warren daughter Hiltonstown India Rose GP 83. Full of style and breeding, Hiltonstown Matrix also had good performance figures, being in the top 5% of the breed for 400 and 600 day growth, and having a +7 figure for Maternal (Milk). Purchasing this bull was Ross King for the family’s noted Wolfstar pedigree herd at Ormiston, East Lothian, who themselves had enjoyed a hugely successful sale when selling four quality bulls to gross over £43,000. Wolfstar run 180 cows, 60 of which make up the pedigree herd, and the 20,000gns price is the highest they have paid for a Simmental bull to date. Commenting, Ross King said: “We’ve been looking for a bull for a wee while and are delighted to get Hiltonstown Matrix. He’s a young bull with plenty of length, tremendous fleshing qualities, and just full of flash and style. His pedigree adds new lines to our herd, he carries very balanced performance figures, and we think he’ll complement our type of cows. It’s a significant price but a bull of this quality is an investment in the future of the herd and to take that next step forward.”
Speaking after the sale Rhys Rodgers said “I am extremely pleased with the sale, with both of my bulls making top prices. The 20,000gns is a record price for the Hiltonstown herd and eclipsing the 17,000gns for Hiltonstown Dominic, who was sold in October 2013. Matrix oozed style from day one and we’ve long thought he had that x-factor, so it’s great to realise such a trade at the sale and for him to go to a top herd. We look to breed red muscular bulls with power and length, and both Matrix and our other bull Magnificent we think typify these attributes”. Later in the day the July 2021 born calf Hiltonstown Magnificent, a Dermotstown Delboy son, made 9,000gns when selling to A Bell & Co, Towie Farm, Fraserburgh.
Hiltonstown Magnificent – 9,000gns
Over the course of the two days there had been a tangible buzz around the Simmental lines with a tremendous crowd at the pre-sale show and a packed ring come sale time. The sale itself reflected this with a fierce trade from start to finish realising a new record average for this February fixture and a high clearance rate of 88%. Speaking after the sale Iain Kerr the general manager of the British Simmental Cattle Society said: “It’s been a tremendous sale and well done to the breeders for bringing forward a great show of bulls full of choice and quality for commercial producers, and with breeders’ bulls as well. Bulls with length and width, good tops, square over the plates with a depth of muscle down the thigh, and with good locomotion, were readily sought and easily sold.”
“There’s a bounce in demand for the Simmental breed driven by commercial producers. We were delighted with positive feedback and approval from buyers in the Society’s recent breed survey, and this is also being backed up the strong run of bull and female sales that we’ve seen. The milk and maternal qualities of the breed are well established and add to the Simmentals ability to produce fast growing calves with tremendous weaning weights, and with superior age to slaughter. It’s a low input, high output breed and that efficiency and performance is giving value and profit to producers.”
The sale saw twenty bulls in all sell over the 9,000gns mark and with bulls finding their way to buyers from all four home countries. Orkney has been a strong market for Simmental bulls and featured again with nine heading to the island.
Junior Champion Islavale Mufasa – 16,000gns
Selling at 16,000gns was the Junior Champion in the shape of Islavale Mufasa from the Stronach family, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. This October 2021 born bull is from a strong breeding line with both parents being classified as EX93. Mufasa is sired by the successful herd sire Corskie Highlander EX 93, who has bred other sons to 18,000gns. Mufasa’s dam is Islavale Amanda 2 EX 93 (EX2), who goes back to the Irish-born Clonagh A Super Star. Performance supplementing pedigree, Islavale Musafa is in the breed top ten percent for growth, milk, and self-replacing index. Snapping up this bull was Barker and Borlase, Sacombe Hill Farm, Watton At Stone, Hertfordshire, who run the long established Sacombe and Perrywood herds. Commenting after the sale Bridget Borlase said: “We thought that Islavale Mufasa was a very complete and tidy bull, with nice clean lines and great length. He has breeding in his back pedigree that we are keen to introduce and reintroduce into the herd and as both his sire and dam are EX93, which underpins his structural soundness. He will take over as our sole herd sire and will start work in April, running with around 30 females”. The Islavale team carried on their prolific sale form with ten bulls on the day averaging an excellent £7,245.
Backmuir Moonshine – 15,000gns
The senior section got the sale off to a strong start and featuring within this was the winner of class two Backmuir Moonshine from Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith, Banffshire, who made 15,000gns when selling him to CR Fovargue Bros, Coleorton, Leicestershire. The Fovargues had done their homework pre-sale and followed the bull on the Society’s show coverage before purchasing him over the phone. April 2021 born, Backmuir Moonshine is by the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo, himself a past Stirling champion, and is out of Starline Orlane 35th, a Skerrington Warlord daughter. Backmuir Moonshine’s Terminal Production Index and Self Replacing Index figures of +102 and +109 respectively place him in the top 10% of the breed. A few lots later the Simmers sold Backmuir Mario, another Wolfstar Jackaroo son, for 8,000gns to GW Woolhouse & Sons, Church Farm, Rotherham.
Reserve Supreme Champion Blackford Mars – 14,000gns
The Blackford herd of Mr WG MacPherson, Croy, Inverness-shire, had a strong pen of bulls forward and realised a terrific trade with sales at 14,000gns, 12,000gns and 9,000gns. Leading the trade at 14,000gns was the Reserve Supreme Champion, and Senior Champion Blackford Mars. This May 2021 born bull is by the multiple show champion Heathbrow Important (P) EX 93 and is the third calf to be bred out of Blackford Honey EX 91 dam, who herself goes back to the 16,000gns Hockenhull Waterloo. Commenting on his Reserve Supreme Champion, the judge Colin Fordyce said: “This is just another tremendous Simmental bull. He had a really flashy head that caught the eye and was full of style and presence. Square across the plates he was very correct with good legs and locomotion.” Blackford Mars was purchased by WJ and J Green, Garmouth, Moray-Shire, for their noted Corskie pedigree herd.
Also selling for 14,000gns was the winner of class seven and the Reserve Intermediate Champion in the shape of Kilbride Farm Morikawa (P) from the long established and noted Kilbride Farm herd of WH Robson & Sons, Doagh, County Antrim. July 2021 born, this 19-month-old heterozygous polled calf is by the 16,000gns Islavale Harvest. A heifer’s calf he is bred out of Kilbride Farm Eunice 270 J (PP), who goes back to the 15,000 Euro Curaheen Gunshot (P). This bull was jointly purchased by David and Lesley Sapsed, of the noted Heathbrow pedigree Simmental herd, Codicote, Hertfordshire, and along with Tom Hill, of the Scotland Hill pedigree Simmental herd, Wadworth, Doncaster. The Heathbrow herd will be full dispersing at the Society’s October Sale in Stirling this year and speaking of his purchase David Sapsed said it was made with the sale in mind: “We have been very successful with our home bred herd sire Heathbrow Grandslam. The aim is to change the breeding up a bit and with a view to the sale purchasers of our females will get something different. We have been going down the polled route and with Morikawa’s good homozygous polled mother, and his excellent back pedigree he fitted the bill. He will be with me until the start of the summer and then he will be traveling up to Wadworth to join Tom.” Speaking to Tom Hill after the sale he added: “It was great to go in partnership on this bull with David as Morikawa will come to me in June just when I need him. After initially spotting him in the pen, I was attracted by his figures and conformation. His self-replacing and terminal production index figures place him in the top 10% of the breed which will help me to keep improving my herd of 65 breeding cows, I was looking for a good all round bull that ticked every box. I also liked his back pedigree, his sire in particular, who I bid on when he went through the ring in 2018! We are hoping for around 45 calves or around in his first year so that I have plenty to offer bull buyers at home and in bringing bulls to Stirling.”
Kilbride Farm Merlin – 13,000gns
A further bull from the Robson family, Kilbride Farm Merlin, made 13,000gns when selling to the Overhill House herd of Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian. A second prize winner in the second class of the day, this April 2021 born bull is fully homebred being by Kilbride Farm Jetstream (P) and out of the second calver Kilbride Farm Eunice 249I (TF), a Kilbride Farm Warren daughter. Kilbride Farm Jetstream is a breed trait leader for both calving ease and growth rate. Of his new purchase Richard McCulloch said: “Merlin had good length, head, colour and figures – and particularly calving ease. I am trying to change my Autumn calving pattern, and the aim for Merlin is that he’ll be put to work in March”. The Kilbride Farm herd had a total clearance of their four bulls and grossed £37,800.
Corskie Match – 13,000gns
Topping a good line-up of bulls from the Corskie herd of W J & J Green, Garmouth, Moray, was the 13,000gns paid for the upstanding March 2021 born Corskie Match. This first prize winner in the first class is by the herd’s prolific stock bull Drumagarner Hughes EX 92, and is out of the second calver Corskie Intune VG 86, a daughter of the 22,000gns Dirnanean Bradley EX 93. Another bull with good figures, Corskie Match is in the top 10% Self Replacing Index. Heading to the borders this bull was bought by AC Burke, T/A Nether Stewarton, Eddleston, Peebles, who speaking after the sale said: “I have been using Simmentals on my commercial herd for around 12 years now. With 30 Luings and five Simmental cows, I’m looking to use him on both and with an aim to build up my Simmental numbers and start a pedigree herd. Corskie Match appealed to me as he is a deep well-set bull with a really good red colour, and I look for bulls with good calving ease, milk and 200 day weight.” The Corskie herd sold further bulls on the day at 7,000gns, 6,000gns, and 4,500gns.
Denizes Magic – 12,000gns
Continuing a good run of bulls and prices at Stirling, the Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Ulnes Walton, Lancashire, made 12,000gns when selling the May 2021 born Denizes Magic. Another bull with tremendous length and muscling, Denizes Magic had stood second in his class to the Reserve Supreme Champion. Full of breeding he is another by the prolific Denizes Hamish and is out of Annick Trixibelle, a Skerrington Visa daughter. Full of breeding and figures, Magic featured excellent calving and Maternal (Milk) figures and is from the same family line as the 20,000gns Denizes Monty. This bull was purchased by RI and GI Davies, Llangammarch Wells, Powys and who run a 250 cow Simmental based commercial suckler herd.
Blackford Mosby – 12,000gns
The second five figure bull from the Blackford herd of Mr W G Macpherson, Croy, Inverness-Shire, came in the shape of the 12,000gns Blackford Mosby who stood second in his class to the Reserve Intermediate Champion. August 2021 born, this bull is a son of Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94, and is a heifer’s calf bred out of Blackford Kellie, a daughter of the noted Blackford Galaxy. Another bull heading to the shires in England, Blackford Mosby was purchased by Sam Driver, Chisworth, Derbyshire, for his Sandylane pedigree Simmental herd. Of his purchase Mr Driver said: “This bull stood out to me as soon as I saw him in the show. He walked well and had good figures particularly ease of calving and growth. I didn’t intend to buy one of the top priced bulls, but the bull was full of quality and it was a strong trade! I am trying to create a consistent herd of Simmental cattle and feel that Mosby will help me to achieve this.”
Wolfstar Mustang – 11,000gnsWolfstar Moves Like Jagger – 11,000gns
A super line up from the 60-cow pedigree Wolfstar herd of Mr A King, Ormiston, East Lothian, saw them attain prices of 11,000gns twice, 10,000gns, and 9,000gns. Consistently bringing top bulls to Stirling, the aim of the herd is to breed first quality bulls for the commercial producer with any bulls going to pedigree herds being a bonus on top. The first of the Wolfstar bulls at 11,000gns was the first prize winner in class three Wolfstar Mustang. May 2021 born, this calf is by Islavale Guy and is out of Wolfstar Hot Fuss, a full sister to Wolfstar Gold Digger who bred well in the Annick herd. Wolfstar Mustang was one of nine bulls on the day who went to Orkney, when purchased by regular buyer GT and S Coghill, Birsay, Orkney. Also at 11,000gns was the third prize Wolfstar Moves Like Jagger. Also May 2021 born this bull is fully homebred being by Wolfstar Ivan (TF), and out of Wolfstar Izzy, a Popes Barclay daughter. Staying close to home this bull was bought by Garvald Mains Farm, Haddington, East Lothian.
Continuing the Wolfstar run at 10,000gns was Wolfstar Meatball. April 2021-born, Meatball is another by Islavale Guy and is out of the Team Celtic daughter, Wolfstar Flame. Another bull with length and a good top he was purchased by Philiphaugh Estates, Old Mill Farm, Selkirk, who said: “We have been looking at Wolfstar bulls for a long time and were thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase Wolfstar Meatball. He is a big, long, dark coloured bull with good EBV’s, and we think he will fit in nicely for our Simmental/Luing cross herd. We sell the heifers we produce as replacements with a High Health status, while our bulls are finished at 14 months”. Completing a fine day for the Kings, Wolfstar Mufasa made 9,000gns when selling to Luing breeders John Lawrie, Tillyrie Ltd, Milnathort, Kinross. May 2021 born, Mufasa is another by Islavale Guy and is out of Wolfstar Flora, a Team Celtic daughter.
Garmouth Matt – 10,000gns
Sitting alongside the Corskie bulls was Garmouth Matt from Laura Green, Garmouth, Moray. This September 2021 born calf won Class Nine in the junior section before going on to sell for an excellent 10,000gns. This 17-month-old bull is the first son to be sold off the privately purchased Rathnashan Leonardo who stood National Junior Bull Champion at Strokestown 2019. He is out of the second calver Garmouth Glory’s Jessica, a daughter of the noted Bel Dhu Capercaillie. Purchasing this bull was A Strachan, Brechin, Angus.
Cwarre Mercury – 9,500gns
All the way from Wales was Richard Cumming, Blaencwarre, Hermon, Cynwyl Elfed with his August 2021 born calf Cwarre Mercury. Having stood third in class, this long dark red bull with good figures, made the long trip very worthwhile when selling for 9,500gns CMR Soutar, Arbroath, Angus. Mercury is by Islavale Herriot (TF), and is out of Cwarre Cinderella’s Gem, a Woodhall Extra Special daughter. Commenting Mr Soutar said: “The breeding and background of this bull was the first thing that attracted us to Cwarre Mercury. The genetics, especially on the dam’s side, with Woodhall Extra Special as the grandam, are really appealing. I was looking for an easy calving bull and the figures were all pointing in the right direction. He has a good head, and his dark, red colour will mean that he fits right in with the herd of 35 cows. The darker cows are always sought after in this area”.
Blackford Merlin (ET) – 9,000gns
Mr W G Macpherson, Croy, Inverness-Shire, completed their fine day with the sale of the well-bred Blackford Merlin (ET) for 9,000gns. This May 2021 born bull stood second in his class to the day’s Overall Supreme Champion. Entirely homebred he is sired by the Royal Highland Show Champion Blackford Galaxy, and is out of Blackford Wagtail VG 86, the dam of the breed record breaking Bel Dhu Capercaillie. This bull was purchased by R & E Chapman, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, and his new owner Ian Chapman said: “We really liked the shape of this bull and his breeding. His main purpose will be to breed replacements for our 250 cow suckler herd. He looks to be easy calving and we feel hewill produce nice milky replacements. We have been using Simmental bulls since we started with cows 30 years ago, due to them being such good mothers and having plenty of milk, and our sucklers are mainly Simmentals which produce the calves which we take through to finishing.”
Coltfield Maestro – 9,000gns
Winning the red ticket in Class Ten, and making 9,000gns at the sale, was Coltfield Maestro from JC MacIver, Forres, Moray. This September 2021-born calf is by the 14,000gns Rockytop Invader whose sons have sold to 11,000gns. Coltlfield Gemma EX90 is out of the herd’s oldest cows and is still breeding well at over 10 years old. Coltfield Maestro was bought by Ward Farms (Scotland) Ltd, Carnwath, Lanarkshire, with Gareth Ward commenting: “We purchased Maestro for use within our 350 cows in total of which 60 plus are pedigree and comprise the Westridge herd. We liked his back pedigree and the fact that both of his parents are classified. Figures are important to us, particularly calving daughters and milk”.
Ranfurly Macgregor – 9,000gns
The strength of the sale continued right to the end and with Ranfurly MacGregor from WD & JD Hazelton, Dungannon, County Tyrone, making 9,000gns when purchased by Craighill Farms, Duntrune, by Dundee. This stylish November 2021 born calf had stood second in the last class to the Junior Champion in the pre-sale show. By Team Celtic he is out of the Omorga Murray sired Ranfurly Lady Diana 22nd E10 (TF) EX 90. MacGregor’s full brother Jackall was Junior and Supreme Champion at Stirling in October 2019, when sold to Strathisla Farms for 14,000gns. Full of figures he is in the top 5% for 200-, 400- and 600-day weight and boasted the top milk figure of +15 in the catalogue.
A small show of four females saw a top price of 4,200gns for the April 2021 born heifer Kinclaven Malteser from Mr AG Borthwick, Stanley, Perth. Sired by Ranfurly Jackall J9 18 EX93, and out of Strathisla Bubble’s Geraldine, this heifer was bought by G Burns, Tippetcraig Farm, Bonnybridge.
OTHER LEADING PRICES 8,500gns – Lot 61 Ballinalare Farm Mack sold to MBM Farms Ltd 8,000gns – Lot 20 Backmuir Mario sold to GW Woolhouse & Sons Ltd 8,000gns – Lot 63 Newbiemains Mayhem sold to FMJ Forster 8,000gns – Lot 125 Islavale Monarch sold to JH Logan & Co 7,800gns – Lot 10 Dunmore Mearns sold to BCF Lambie Partnership 7,500gns – Lot 7 Auchorachan Malt sold to Dalchirla Farms Limited 7,500gns – Lot 9 Caithness Maverick sold to Hugh S Reid 7,500gns – Lot 16 Springfield Major sold to Parkmount Estate Co 7,500gns – Lot 50 Pistyll Major sold to GT & S Coghill 7,500gns – Lot 127 Islavale Mario sold to DG & J Walker 7,000gns – Lot 48 Drumsleed Monty sold to WJ Marshall 7,000gns – Lot 62 Finlarg Magnum sold to Hamilton Organic Ltd 7,000gns – Lot 80 Corskie Mago sold to WSL Muir 7,000gns – Lot 98 Kersknowe Moses sold to W & I Gunn
SHOW RESULTS Sunday 19th February 2023 Judge: Mr Colin Fordyce, Islabank Farm, Blairgowrie
Class 1 – Bulls born on or between 7 March & 1 April 2021 1st: Lot 6 – Mr W J & J Green – Corskie Match – s. Drumagarner Hughes EX 92 2nd: Lot 11 – Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Marley – s. Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94 3rd: Lot 5 – D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Magic – s. Auchorachan Hercules EX 92 4th: Lot 7 – D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Malt – s. Auchorachan Hercules EX 92
Class 2 – Bulls born on or between 2 & 20 April 2021 1st: Lot 13 – Reece & Andrew Simmers – Backmuir Moonshine – s. Wolfstar Jackaroo 2nd: Lot 24 – W H Robson & Sons – Kilbride Farm Merlin – s. Kilbride Farm Jetstream (P) 3rd: Lot 23 – Mr & Mrs A S & Y A Leedham – Grangewood Magic – s. Ranfurly Impeccable 4th: Lot 25 – Gary & Angela Christie – Rockytop Macduff – s. Rockytop Jackpot
Class 3 – Bulls born on or between 21 April & 5 May 2021 1st: Lot 36 – Mr A King – Wolfstar Mustang – s. Islavale Guy 2nd: Lot 29 – Mr D Lowry – Keeldrum Midas – s. Keeldrum Gambler 3rd: Lot 30 – Richard McCulloch – Overhill House Minty – s. Aultmore Goliath 4th: Lot 35 – Mr & Mrs M Ward & Sons – Westridge Max – s. Woodhall Freeman
Class 4 – Bulls born on or between 6 & 21 May 2021 1st: Lot 39 – Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Mars – s. Heathbrow Important (P) EX 93 2nd: Lot 45 – M A Barlow & Sons – Denizes Magic – s. Denizes Hamish 3rd: Lot 41 – Mr A King – Wolfstar Moves Like Jagger – s. Wolfstar Ivan (TF) 4th: Lot 44 – Gary & Angela Christie – Rockytop Milan – s. Rockytop I’m Yer Man
Class 5 – Bulls born on or between 22 May & 5 June 2021 1st: Lot 60 – Alan Wilson – Bannhill Farm Masterpiece – s. Kilbride Farm Bantry 2nd: Lot 56 – Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Merlin – s. Blackford Galaxy 3rd: Lot 55 – Richard McCulloch – Overhill House Marlon – s. Aultmore Goliath 4th: Lot 49 – Mr A King – Wolfstar Mufasa – s. Islavale Guy
Class 6 – Bulls born on or between 6 June & 18 July 2021 1st: Lot 70 – Richard & Rhys Rodgers – Hiltonstown Magnificent – s. Dermotstown Delboy EX 92 2nd: Lot 61 – Mr J & Mr A Wilson – Farm Mack – s. Rabawn Ernie 3rd: Lot 68 – Harry David Houldey – Manor Fields Mac – s. Ranfurly Highflier H16 4th: Lot 63 – Jim & Patricia Goldie – Newbiemains Mayhem – s. Annick Klondyke EX 92
Class 7 – Bulls born on or between 19 July & 26 August 2021 1st: Lot 73 – W H Robson & Sons – Kilbride Farm Morikawa – s. Islavale Harvest 2nd: Lot 82 – Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Mosby – s. Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94 3rd: Lot 76 – D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Magnum – s. Curaheen Giant 4th: Lot 83 – Mr J Jeffrey – Kersknowe Murphy – s. Aultmore Jasper
Class 8 – Bulls born on or between 27 August & 5 September 2021 1st: Lot 96 – Richard & Rhys Rodgers – Hiltonstown Matrix – s. Saltire Impressive 2nd: Lot 94 – Mr W D & J D Hazelton – Ranfurly Masterpiece – s. Team Celtic 3rd: Lot 86 – Richard James Cumming – Cwarre Mercury – s. Islavale Herriot 4th: Lot 89 – D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Max – s. Greencap Kane EX 91
Class 9 – Bulls born on or between 5 & 20 September 2021 1st: Lot 99 – Laura Green – Garmouth Matt – s. Rathnashan Leonardo 2nd: Lot 100 – Mr & Mrs A S & Y A Leedham – Grangewood Maverick – s. Ranfurly Impeccable I4 17 3rd: Lot 98 – Mr J Jeffrey – Kersknowe Moses – s. Aultmore Jasper 4th: Lot 101 – Gary & Angela Christie – Rockytop Mozart – s. Kilbride Farm Fearless
Class 10 – Bulls born on or between 21 September & 20 October 2021 1st: Lot 112 – J C MacIver – Coltfield Maestro – s. Rockytop Invader EX 92 2nd: Lot 114 – Mr W J & J Green – Corskie Mineral – s. Drumagarner Hughes EX 92 3rd: Lot 115 – Mr W J & J Green – Corskie Miner – s. Drumagarner Hughes EX 92 4th: Lot 109 – W H Robson & Sons – Kilbride Farm Mustang – s. Kilbride Farm Jetstream (P)
Class 11 – Bulls born on or after 21 October 2021 1st: Lot 124 – Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Mufasa – s. Corskie Highlander EX 93 2nd: Lot 128 – Mr W D & J D Hazelton – Ranfurly MacGregor – s. Team Celtic 3rd: Lot 127 – Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Mario – s. Curaheen Giant 2 4th: Lot 121 – Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Maverick – s. Curaheen Giant 2
Senior Champion Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Mars – s. Heathbrow Important (P) EX 93 Reserve Senior Champion Reece & Andrew Simmers – Backmuir Moonshine – s. Wolfstar Jackaroo
Intermediate Champion Mr W D & J D Hazelton – Ranfurly Masterpiece – s. Team Celtic Reserve Intermediate Champion W H Robson & Sons – Kilbride Farm Morikawa – s. Islavale Harvest
Junior Champion Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Mufasa – s. Corskie Highlander EX 93 Reserve Junior Champion Richard & Rhys Rodgers – Hiltonstown Matrix – s. Saltire Impressive
Supreme Champion Mr Alan Wilson – Bannhill Farm Masterpiece – s. Kilbride Farm Bantry 10 Reserve Supreme Champion Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Mars – s. Heathbrow Important (P) EX 93
A fantastic display of Simmental cattle was the general ringside consensus at the second staging of the Four Breed Calf Show held in Dungannon Farmers Market on Saturday 26th November 2022. Judging of the Simmental classes was in the very capable hands of Neil McIlwaine of the well-known Corrick Herd, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone. Sponsor of the Simmental section was Ann Kennedy from Centra Ballinderry Catering Service.
First Prize Winner and Senior Champion, Coolcran Maximus from S & P McDonald. Shane McDonald pictures alongside sponsor Ann Kennedy
Winning the Senior Championship was Coolcran Maximus from Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, Co. Fermanagh with Coolcran Maximus. This September 2021 born calf is by the 10,000gns sire Wolfstar Elusive and is out of the Ashland Brandy daughter Coolcran Lady Erin, the Reserve Female Champion at Balmoral Show in 2015. Commenting on his Senior Champion, Neil Mcilwaine said: “This is an excellent example of a clean, modern Simmental bull. He has great locomotion with excellent width, topline, and squareness of his plates. Just a very well-balanced bull with fantastic length.” Earlier this summer, Coolcran Maximus won the Male Championship and Reserve Junior Championship at the NI Simmental National Show at Armagh County Show.
Junior Champion, Lisglass Nightingale from Leslie & chris Weatherup. Chris pictured alongside sponsor, Ann Kennedy
Lifting the Junior Championship was Lisglass Nightingale from Leslie and Chris Weatherup, Ballyclare, Co Antrim. January 2022 born, Lisglass Nightingale is by Omorga Jaguar, a Mullynock Gallant sired bull, and is out of the homebred Lisglass Gypsy, a Kilbride Farm Bantry daughter. Of his Junior Champion, Neil Mcilwaine said: “This is a well grown, very stylish heifer with an excellent top line and plates. Again, she has great locomotion and really oozes femininity.”
Reserve Senior Champion, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st
Taking the Reserve Senior Champion was Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st M14 from WD & JD Hazelton, Dungannon Co Tyrone. October 2021 born, this heifer is by Auchorachan Hercules 16, and is out of Ranfurly Lady Diana 33rd. Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st is another calf to have featured at the NI Simmental National Show and where she won her class for junior heifers born between September and December 2021.
Reserve Junior Champion, Haystar Diamond 2 from G Hays & Son
Back to the juniors and it was Haystar Diamond 2 from G Hays & Son, Lisburn, Co Antrim that won the Reserve Junior Championship. January 2022 born this calf is by Kilbride Farm Delboy and is out of Raceview Her Royal Diamond. Earlier this year, Haystar Diamond 2 won class two of the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Virtual Show and from a class of 63 heifers from all round the UK.
Drumbulcan Nathan from Kenneth StubbsScribby Farms Nelson from Keith Nelson. Young Harvey Nelson pictured alongside his Dad.Drumnagarner Nikki from Eamon McCloskey. Pictured is Eamon & family and sponsor Ann KennedyPrize Winning Pairs from the Drumbulcan herd of Kenneth Stubbs. Pictured are Kenneth’s daughters Zara Clarke and Alice BradleyFirst prize winning Junior Young Handler, Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, Co AntrimFirst prize winning, Senior Young Handler, Thomas McAlister from Dungannon, Co TyroneJudge Neil McIlwaine from the Corrick Herd, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone.
2022 Four Breeds Calf Show Simmental Results
Class Results;
Senior Bull Class (Born 01/09/21 – 31/12/21)
1st Coolcran Maximus 21 from S & P McDonald
2nd Craigy Magic 21 from William Dodd
Senior Heifer Class (Born 01/09/21 – 31/12/21)
1st Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st M14 from WD & JD Hazelton
2nd Craigy Beatrice M3 from William Dodd
3rd Lisglass Moneypenny from Leslie & Chris Weatherup
Junior Bull Class (Born 01/01/22 – 31/03/22)
1st Drumbulcan Nathan 22 from Kenneth Stubbs
2nd Kilmore Nickel from Chris Traynor
3rd Drumbulcan Nelson from Kenneth Stubbs
4th Craigy Notorious 22 from William Dodd
Junior Heifer Class (01/01/22 – 31/03/22)
1st Lisglass Nightingale from Leslie and Christopher Weatherup
2nd Haystar Diamond 2 from G Hays & Sons
3rd Drumbulcan Nala from Kenneth Stubbs
4th Breaghey Nadine from Andrew Clarke
5th Breaghey Vida N-435 from Andrew Clarke
6th Rehall Nougat from W & K Stubbs
Junior Bull Class (Born on or after 01/04/22)
1st Scribby Farms Nelson from Keith Nelson
2nd Haystar Noble from G Hays & Sons
Junior Heifer Class (Born on or after 01/04/22)
1st Drumagarner Nikki from E McCloskey
2nd Ashland Lucy Nora from Pat Kelly
3rd Rehall Nancy from W & K Stubbs
4th Belragh Natalya Ginger from Joseph Muldon 5th Craigy Jessica from William Dodd 6th Scribby Farms Nightingale from Keith Nelson
Simmental Pairs
1st Kenneth Stubbs (Drumbulcan)
2nd W & K Stubbs (Rehall)
3rd Andrew Clarke (Breaghey)
4th William Dodd (Craigy)
5th William Dodd (Craigy)
Senior Young Handlers
1st Thomas McAllister
2nd Grace Elwood
3rd Jason Little
Junior Young Handlers
1st Rhys Rodgers
2nd Caitlin McGartland
3rd Patrick McCloskey
The NI Simmental Club would like to congratulate and thank all exhibitors who turned out stock for Saturdays event, and which resulted in a fantastic display of Simmental cattle. Also special thanks to our Sponsor Ann Kennedy from Centra Ballinderry Catering Service, our Judge Neil Mcilwaine, our ring stewards, to Dungannon Farmers Market, and to David Porter from Mullagh photography.
Islavale takes the Senior and Junior Female titles
Springfield Moss wins Overall Senior Champion
A high-quality show of Simmental calves lit up the ring at the Stars of the Future Pedigree Calf Show, held at United Auctions Stirling Livestock Centre on Saturday 12th December. A much-anticipated annual event, the Stars of the Future is becoming an annual showcase of the strength in depth of Simmental breeding combined with calves destined for forward sales at Stirling, and the establishing Next Gen sale of females and weaned calves at Carlisle.
Judging this year’s Simmental section and Championships was Gayle Campbell of the noted Saltire herd at North Berwick, East Lothian, who had a catalogued entry of forty-four Simmentals to work through, and with breeders from the North East to the South West of Scotland.
Taking top honours in the juniors, Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian lifted the Junior Male and Overall Junior Championship with Overhill House Neil. January 2022 born, this calf is by Islavale Heston who was purchased for 24,000gns at Stirling in February 2018 and is out of Overhill House India, a Curaheen Drifter daughter. Islavale Heston is proving to be a consistent breeder in the 160 cow Overhill House and has bred calves sold at Stirling at up to 8,000gns so far. Having featured in the Championship prizes previously, this was the herds first time showing at Stars of the Future for a few years. The plan from here is that Overhill House Neil will be aimed at the 2023 October Stirling Simmental Bull Sale.
Overhill House Neil, Overall Junior Champion & Junior Male Champion
Winning Reserve in the Junior Males, and Reserve Junior Overall, was Islavale Noah from Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith, Banffshire. Born 2nd April 2022, this entirely homebred bull is by Islavale Kerching, and is out of Islavale Glossy EX92, a Delfur Casanova daughter, and described as a ‘tremendous breeding cow’ in the herd. Islavale Noah now heads to the fast-approaching Simmental Next Generation II Sale at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on December 2nd and in a catalogue which will also feature the herd’s Stars of the Future Overall Junior Female Champion, Islavale Nestle, and the Senior Female Champion Islavale Mango.
Islavale Noah, Reserve Overall Junior Champion & Reserve Male Champion
All round, it was another strong day for the prolific Islavale herd. Following on from the recent Stirling bull sales where the herd averaged a remarkable £13,500 for seven bulls sold, Islavale breeding featured in all four of the Stars of the Future section and overall champions, and with specific wins for the herd in both the Junior Female and Senior Female Championships, and Reserve Overall in both the Junior and Senior sections. Commenting, Stewart Stronach said: “Stars of the Future is a first class event to promote calves with forward potential, and it’s a nice time of the year to get calves out to show. We are delighted to feature in the Championship prizes and within a show that we thought was a great advertisement for the Simmental breed.” Rounding off the event for the family, Emma Stronach powered through to win the Intermediate Champion Young Handler title and followed by the Reserve Overall Young Handler award.
Islavale Nestle, Overall Junior Female Champion
After working through the heifer calves, the Overall Junior Female Champion came in the form of the Stronach family’s Islavale Nestle. The 22nd April 2022 born, Islavale Nestle is by Coose Lincoln EX90, and is out of Islavale Elisha EX93, a Curaheen Bandit daughter. On the day both the Junior and Senior Female Champions were the first calves to be shown from Islavale by their herd sire Coose Lincoln EX90, a bull bought privately out of the Republic of Ireland just prior to the Covid lockdown. Nestle’s dam Islavale Elisha EX93 also has some performance behind her having previously bred the 7,600gns Islavale Jammy Dodger, a bull who was sold online during the Covid crisis and the 2020 Stirling May Sale. Following Islavale Nestle through from the class and to take the Reserve Junior Female title was Rockytop Jewel’s Nutmeg, from Gary & Angela Christie, Birchfield, Glass, Huntly. This calf, 14th April born, is another entirely homebred heifer being by Rockytop Inferno 17, and out of Rockytop Friday’s Jewel, a Kilbride Fearless daughter.
Taking the day’s Overall Senior Championship and Overall Senior Male was Springfield Moss from Gavin Brown, Springfield Farm, Penicuik. This calf, 18th July 2021 born, is by the herd’s stock bull Islavale Jabba and is out of Cleenagh Eliza, a Drumlone Anchor daughter. This latest title comes hard on the heels of the recent Simmental Calf Show at the Borderway Agri Expo and where the Springfield herd lifted the Reserve Supreme and Junior Championship with another Islavale Jabba son, Springfield Niagara. An Islavale Jabba daughter topped the females at the recent October Stirling Simmental Sale and with progeny from the bull sold at sale so far averaging £4,700. Speaking afterwards Gavin Brown said: “Stars of the Future was a great show with really good numbers and the quality was right up there. The age range was slightly extended for the senior classes, so we were able to enter our two senior bulls and fortunately this is where the success came from with our Champion, Springfield Moss. At this point we are aiming to take him to Stirling in February next year. His dam was purchased back in 2015 and she has gone on to be a great breeder for us, producing two heifer and four bull calves so far, and two of these bulls have been sold back through Stirling.”
Islavale Mango, Senior Female Champion and Overall Senior Reserve
It was back to the Stronach team for the day’s Senior Female Champion and Overall Senior Reserve, in the form of the November 1st 2021 born Islavale Mango. Another by Coose Lincoln EX90, the same sire of the day’s Junior Female Champion, Mango is out of Islavale Faith EX90 a Woodhall Walker daughter.
Commenting on her choice of champions, and the overall show, the judge Gayle Campbell said: “The Simmental breed has continued to evolve and improve since I first stepped into the judging ring. Today there is a favour towards darker animals but based around both the maternal traits that the Simmental is renowned for, and also the breeds ever improving terminal qualities”. Of the Simmentals at Stars of the Future, Gayle went on to say; “The standard was really high across the classes with some excellent calves forward. When judging females I am looking for stylish and balanced animals, they need to be feminine and show great breed character, but with a sweetness about them. I certainly found that with my Champions Islavale Nestle and Islavale Mango, two terrific calves. My choices for the Male Champions also just caught my eye as soon as they came into the ring. I was looking for young bulls with potential, power and shape, and Overhill House Neil and Springfield Moss certainly fit the bill and have a lot of future in them. A great show of Simmental calves and well done to all of the exhibitors.” A passionate advocate of the Simmental breed, Gayle Campbell first judged Simmental classes at the Stirling May Sale in 2011 and since then has gone on to judge at shows throughout Scotland and also at such as the English Winter Fair.
Newbiemains McGregor, Reserve Senior Male Champion
Standing Reserve Senior Male Champion was Newbiemains McGregor from Jim and Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire. Another entirely homebred calf, the September 2021 born Newbiemains McGregor is another from the first crop pf calves by Newbiemains Jericho and is out of Newbiemains Janabelle, a Newbiemains Golden Eye 15 EX91 daughter. This further title adds to the Goldies recent strong showing at the Simmental Calf Show at Borderway Agri Expo where the herd won the Senior Championship with another Newbiemains Jericho son, Newbiemains Moosala, and also lifted the Junior and Overall title with Newbiemains Noble Wynn. Competing in a strong class at Stars of the Future Newbiemains Noble Wynn stood second in his class to the Overall Junior Champion Overhill House Neil.
Delfur Weigela M1, Reserve Senior Female
Winning the Reserve Senior Female title, having won the class for females born 8th August to 16th October 2021 was Delfur Weigela M1 from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. Born 18th October 2021, Delfur Weigela M1 is by Woodhall Instinct 17, and is out of the Auchorachan ACDC daughter Delfur Margaret D100. Woodhall Instinct 17 was also the sire of Delfur Maverick who was sold for 16,000gns at the recent October Stirling Simmental Sale. Further Woodhall Instinct sons, Delfur Mean Machine and Delfur Marvel, took first and second place in the class for Senior Males born on or between 18th October and 28th December 2021.
Stars of the Future 2022 Simmental Results
Class 1 – Senior Males born on or between 4 July & 24 September 2021
1st – Lot 353: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD MOSS – s. Islavale Jabba
2nd – Lot 356: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS MCGREGOR – s. Newbiemains Jericho
3rd – Lot 354: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS MOOSALA – s. Newbiemains Jericho
4th – Lot 352: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD MASTERCLASS – s. Islavale Jabba
Class 2 – Senior Males born on or between 18 October & 28 December 2021
1st – Lot 358: Delfur Farms – DELFUR MEAN MACHINE – s. Woodhall Instinct
2nd – Lot 359: Delfur Farms – DELFUR MARVEL – s. Woodhall Instinct
3rd – Lot 362: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR MICKEY – s. Islavale Imperial
Class 3 – Senior Females born on or between 8 August to 16 October 2021
1st – Lot 366: Delfur Farms – DELFUR WEILGELA M1 – s. Innerwick Ivor
2nd – Lot 365: Delfur Farms – DELFUR MOONSHINE – s. Banwy Bonzo 3rd – Lot 364: J C MacIver – COLTFIELD MARTHA – s. Rockytop Invader
Class 4 – Senior Females born on or between 22 October to 31 December 2021
1st – Lot 368: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE MANGO – s. Coose Lincoln
2nd – Lot 370: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR LORRAINE’S MULAN – s. Backmuir King
3rd – Lot 369: Mr J E Dyet – MERKLAND KELLY – s. Skerrington Gambler
Senior Male Champion Lot 353: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD MOSS – s. Islavale Jabba
Reserve Senior Male Champion Lot 356: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS MCGREGOR – s. Newbiemains Jericho
Senior Female Champion Lot 368: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE MANGO – s. Coose Lincoln
Reserve Senior Female Champion Lot 366: Delfur Farms – DELFUR WEILGELA M1 – s. Innerwick Ivor
Senior Champion Lot 353: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD MOSS – s. Islavale Jabba
Reserve Senior Champion Lot 368: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE MANGO – s. Coose Lincoln
Class 5 – Junior Males born on or between 3 January & 28 March 2022
1st – Lot 373: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE NEIL – s. Islavale Heston
2nd – Lot 374: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS NOBLE WYNN – s. Auchorachan Kennedy
3rd – Lot 375: Grant Stephen – GLENDUAL NEVIS – s. Team Celtic
Class 6 – Junior Males born on or between 1 April & 21 May 2022
1st – Lot 380: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE NOAH 2 – s. Islavale Kerching
2nd – Lot 385: Gary & Angela Christie – ROCKYTOP NELSON – s. Glenturk Kingpin
3rd – Lot 381: Strathisla Farms – STRATHISLA NAIRN – s. Dirnanean Grafter 4th – Lot 382: Strathisla Farms – STRATHISLA NIMROD – s. Vale Royal Hamish
Class 7 – Junior Females born on or between 3 January & 28 March 2022
1st – Lot 386: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR EVA’S NEVA – s. Islavale Imperial
2nd – Lot 389: Strathisla Farms – STRATHISLA NANNY’S HAKA – s. Vale Royal Hamish
Class 8 – Junior Females born on or between 4 April & 12 May 2022
1st – Lot 394: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE NESTLE – s. Coose Lincoln
2nd – Lot 392: Gary & Angela Christie – ROCKYTOP JEWEL’S NUTMEG – s. Rockytop Inferno
3rd – Lot 391: Strathisla Farms – STRATHISLA NALA’S GERALDINE – s. Vale Royal Hamish 4th – Lot 393: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD NITA – s. Islavale Jabba
Junior Male Champion Lot 373: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE NEIL – s. Islavale Heston
Reserve Junior Male Champion Lot 380: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE NOAH 2 – s. Islavale Kerching
Junior Female Champion Lot 394: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE NESTLE – s. Coose Lincoln
Reserve Junior Female Champion Lot 392: Gary & Angela Christie – ROCKYTOP JEWEL’S NUTMEG – s. Rockytop Inferno
Junior Champion Lot 373: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE NEIL – s. Islavale Heston
Reserve Junior Champion Lot 380: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE NOAH 2 – s. Islavale Kerching
• Popes calves take Overall Champion & Reserve • Wroxall Megga Mountaine wins Reserve Male
It was another red-letter day for the prolific Popes herd of JH and VG Wood, Popes Farm, Clitheroe Road, Preston, Lancs, when they won both the Overall Championship and Overall Reserve title at the Simmental National Pedigree Calf Show held within the English Winter Fair at Bingley Hall, Staffs, on Saturday 19th November. Judging the Simmental section was the well-known Danny Wyllie, Burton on Trent, Staffs.
Taking the top honours on the day was the stylish April 2022 born heifer Popes Weikels Nadine, who is by the Irish-bred Clonagh Latin Lover and is out of Popes Weikels Gracie VG85. Gracie was the outcome of an embryo bought from Northern Irish breeder David Hazelton to introduce breeding from that herd’s famous Weikel female line. All five of the Popes entries shown at the English Winter Fair were from the first crop of calves by the herd’s Clonagh Latin Lover and who was purchased for 6500 Euros. A bull full of breeding, Clonagh Latin Lover was purchased for his maternal influence, being out of the noted Clonagh Darling Eyes who was the online Simmental Miss World in 2018 and Overall Irish Simmental of the Year in 2017 and 2018. Sired by Manor Park Hansome, Clonagh Latin Lover combines pedigree with performance having excellent Maternal (Milk), and Carcase figures.
Popes Weikels Nadine, Popes Diamonds Nella & Popes Nexus
On the day, Popes calves sired by Clonagh Latin Lover won the respective male and female sections before moving on to secure the Overall and Reserve Overall titles. For the Woods family it was the second year in a row that they had secured the double at the English Winter Fair, and followed on from a highly successful show year at both the Great Yorkshire and English National shows.
Commenting afterwards, Vikki Wood said: “As a family we are delighted to win this Championship again and at the same time to help put on a good promotion of the British Simmental breed along with our fellow exhibitors.” Of the Champion, and Clonagh Latin Lover generally, Vikki went on to say: “Latin Lover was bought primarily for his maternal lines and to breed what we hope will be the herd’s next generation of females. Our aim and type in breeding females is to have the typical Simmental attributes of sweetness, femininity and breed character, correctness, and with no extremes. The Champion calf today looks to have those attributes at this early age.”
Taking the Overall Reserve and Overall Reserve Female title was Popes Diamonds Nella. Another April 2022 born calf, and by Clonagh Latin Lover, Nella is out of Popes Diamonds IO who is a Popes Fearless daughter.
Bull Calf Champion Popes Nexus
In the bull calves the Championship honours went to the Woods April born Popes Nexus. This calf, now being provisionally aimed at the October 2023 Stirling Bull sale, is again by Latin Lover and is out of Popes Nellys Illia, a Swingletree Emporor daughter who goes back to Tintoside Nellys Wonder.
Wroxall Megga Mountaine
Winning the Reserve Bull Championship and the Senior Bull Calf Class was Wroxall Megga Mountaine (P) from CH Evans and Son, Abbey Farm, Wroxall, Warwick. October 2021 born, Megga Mountaine is by the herd’s noted Coose Gambler (P) and is out of the homozygous polled Wroxall Jazz Superior (PP), a Wroxall Electric daughter. Coose Gambler (P) was the Irish National Ploughing Match Junior Champion Bull in 2016 and the Reserve Champion of Europe in the World Simmental Championship online competition in 2020. Owned by the Evan’s since 2017 Gambler has produced over 100 progeny for the herd, with sons sold to 5,000gns. This was the Wroxall herd’s first time showing at the English Winter Fair, but they have had a successful summer securing Championship and Reserve titles at both the Staffordshire County Show and the Three Counties Show this year.
A feature of the weekend was the Simmental breed promotional stand put on by the Midlands Simmental Club and situated at the main ringside. With some tremendous display cattle, professional breed promotion and literature, and plenty of home baked hospitality, the stand was extremely busy over two days. In a fine reward for all of the Midlands Club’s hard work the stand was judged the best Breed Society stand before securing the Best Trade stand at the show.
The promotional cattle, showing the outstanding maternal attributes of the breed, were three crossbred bull calves out of pure Simmental cows, and supplied by CH Evans and Son, Abbey Farm, Wroxall, Warwick. February born, the calves weighed up to 458kgs for a 26th February born calf, and to a daily live weight gain of 1.81kgs.
2022 Simmental Pedigree Calf Show Results at the English Winter Fair Judge: Mr D Wyllie, Burton on Trent
Senior Bull Calf, born between 01/10/2021 & 31/12/2021 1 – CH Evans & Son – Wroxall Megga Mountaine – s. Coose Gambler 2 – S White – Tirley Lawrence – s. Rathnashan Lobster
Junior Bull Calf, born between 01/01/2022 & 30/06/2022 1 – JH & VG Wood – Popes Nexus – s. Clonagh Latin Lover 2 – Croft Livestock – Fforest Napoleon – s. Auchorachan Hercules 3 – JH & VG Wood – Popes Northstar – s. Clonagh Latin Lover 4 – Renshaw & Brassington – Dovefields Napier – s. Clonagh Tiger Gallant 5 – C Price – Whalegreen Norman – s. Whalegreen Jasper 6 – C Price – Whalegreen Neville – s. Whalegreen Jasper
Senior Heifer Calf, born between 01/10/2021 & 31/12/2021 1 – S White – Tirley Ella 3rd – s. Rathnastian Lobster Pot
Junior Heifer Calf, born between 01/01/2022 & 30/06/2022 1 – JH & VG Wood – Popes Weikels Nadine – s. Clonagh Latin Lover 2 – JH & VG Wood – Popes Diamond Nella – s. Clonagh Latin Lover 3 – JH & VG Wood – Popes Nellys Neva – s. Clonagh Latin Lover 4 – Renshaw & Brassington – Dovefields Nina – s. Star Green Kenny 5 – Renshaw & Brassington – Dovefields Nadia – s. Star Green Kenny
Champion Bull Calf JH & VG Wood – Popes Nexus – s. Clonagh Latin Lover Reserve Champion Bull Calf CH Evans & Son – Wroxall Megga Mountaine – s. Coose Gambler
Champion Heifer Calf JH & VG Wood – Popes Weikels Nadine – s. Clonagh Latin Lover Reserve Champion Heifer Calf JH & VG Wood – Popes Diamond Nella – s. Clonagh Latin Lover
Supreme Champion JH & VG Wood – Popes Weikels Nadine – s. Clonagh Latin Lover Reserve Supreme Champion JH & VG Wood – Popes Diamond Nella – s. Clonagh Latin Lover
The much anticipated second staging of the Simmental Next Generation Sale of Females & Weaned Calves is fast approaching and will take place this year on Friday 2nd December 2022, at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle.
Hitting the ground running, the inaugural Next Generation Sale proved to be a tremendous success with served and maiden heifers averaging £4400, and weaned bull calves averaging over £6000 with a lead price of 16,000gns. Moreover, the sale attracted a fantastic show of Simmental cattle full of style, quality, and with a depth of bloodlines.
With 66 entries catalogued this year, the British Simmental Cattle Society is delighted to announce that the pre-sale show judge is Chris Weatherup, Ballyclare, Co Antrim who, along with his father Leslie, runs 35 breeding females with the noted Lisglass Simmental pedigree herd. The Weatherups also run 60 breeding Texel cross ewes and 150 store lambs on their 130 acre holding.
Chris Weatherup, Lisglass herd, and this year’s judge at the Simmental Next Generation II Sale
The Lisglass herd, established in 1989, has certainly made its mark in the Simmental breed. A list of achievements would include exhibiting a hat-trick of Balmoral Supreme Champions, breeding the ‘Simmental Champion of Europe’ in the shape of Lisglass Goldstar (shown by Gordon Clarke), and holding the Northern Ireland home sale Simmental top price record of £25,000 for the bull Lisglass Kirk.
It was very much the commercial value of the Simmental breed that drew the family into pedigree breeding and with Chris’s father Leslie starting out by farming store heifers which were mostly Simmental cross. Commenting Chris said: “Dad was so pleased with the way they performed in their growth and ability to finish that he decided to purchase two pedigree Simmental heifers at Automart Portadown. Over the years the pedigree herd has grown and we’ve looked to invest in the future of the herd with some top female lines being purchased at production and dispersal sales”.
Speaking on his general breeding philosophy Chris went on to say: “Our aim is to breed modern, easy fleshing, structurally sound, docile Simmental cattle with good milking ability. They must have plenty of length and growth to meet the demands of today’s market. We use a combination of a stock bull and AI, and our stock bulls over the years have included Blackford Explosion, Omorga Prince, Raceview Stanley, Dermotstown Delboy and currently Omorga Jaguar. The bulls we use have to be correct with good locomotion, and have style and presence with good breed character”.
“We want to breed Simmentals that go on and perform well and which brings repeat customers both commercially and pedigree. Of course it’s a bonus on top if you can breed that one that is a little bit ‘special’ and catches the eye. In the commercial sector, it’s a proven fact that Simmental is the leading continental beef breed for age at slaughter. I think there is a huge potential for choosing modern Simmental bulls when you are getting the advantages of high growth rates for age, and with super weights and carcases. It’s all about efficiency and performance giving increased profit”.
Speaking of the job ahead at Carlisle, Chris said: “The Next Gen Sale has all the potential to be a year on year showcase event for British Simmental providing quality, performance, and genetics for existing and new breeders. In judging the females come December I’ll be looking for cattle with femininity, length, growth, good mobility, and just carrying that ring presence, style and breed character. It’s a sale that offers something for everyone and I’m delighted to have been asked to judge and am really looking forward to it.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The provisional timetable for the Next Generation II Sale is as follows:
Please keep an eye on the Society’s Facebook page from here for further updates and previews of the Simmental Next Generation II Sale of Females & Weaned Calves due to be held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday 2nd December.
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