by Nicky Moreton | Jul 31, 2026 | 2026, 2026 National Shows, 2026 Northern Ireland News, 2026 News
Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st wins Overall Supreme
Ballinalare Farm Ritz places Reserve Overall Female
Hiltonstown Serenity wins Junior Championship
Corrick Spartan crowned Male Champion
The classy rising five-year-old cow, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st M14 VG from David & Jonny Hazelton, Cohannon House, Dungannon, swept all before her to win the 2026 Northern Ireland Simmental National Show, held within Clogher Valley Show, on Wednesday 29th July. Judging what was a high-quality show of 40 Simmentals was BSCS President Chris Martindale, who runs the noted Forsdale herd at Coedfa, St Martins, Oswestry.
Overall Champion & Female Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st
Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st is by the noted AI sire Auchorachan Hercules 16 (ET) EX 92, who himself was bred from a Ranfurly embryo, and is out of Ranfurly Lady Diana 33rd J5 18 EX 92, a Raceview King daughter, and whose pedigree goes back to the renowned Salisbury Guinevere, the foundation female of that line. Lady Diana was shown with her November 2025 born bull calf at foot, Ranfurly Standout S10 25, a Curaheen Bandit son.
Commenting, the judge Chris Martindale said: “Firstly it was a great honour to be invited to judge the NI Simmental National, and what a great show of top-quality cattle were on parade, good enough to grace any show in the UK. My champion came from the very first class of the day. She entered the ring with great presence and stood out as a great example of the breed Full of breed character, she was level over the top and with tremendous width over the plates. Lady Diana walked easily and was shown with a great bull calf. What an outfit and a very worthy champion.” Come Individual Interbreed time and Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st took the Second Reserve Overall in front of Karl Connell, Carrickmore.
NI National Show judge Chris Martindale casting his eye.
For the Ranfurly herd, prolific over the years at both shows and sales, it was a second Overall Supreme having won the 2019 NI National Show and having placed Reserve in 2024. No stranger to the show ring herself, back in 2023 as a young heifer, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st was the Reserve Overall Supreme at the RUAS Balmoral Show and has previously been a first prize winner at both the 2022, and 2024 NI National Shows. This year her only other outing was at Antrim Show where she won the Simmental Championship and where she was Reserve Interbreed Beef Cow.
Speaking afterwards a delighted Jonny Hazelton said: “This is the biggest show of Simmentals in the year in Northern Ireland, and it really is a great honour to win such a prestigious show and within such a strong line up from our fellow exhibitors. This is her last show of the year and very much a high point to finish on. Her calf will be weaned off soon and then Lady Diana 41st will be enjoying a well-deserved rest”!
It was an all-round top day for the Hazeltons who in addition to their Overall Supreme title also won the Simmental Pairs with Ranfurly Weikel 56th, and Ranfurly Jade 2nd. Unbeaten in Simmental Pairs this year, this dynamic duo also won the Beef Interbreed Pairs at RUAS Balmoral this year. Lady Diana 41st then joined the pair to secure a win in the Group of Three. Rounding off the day, Jonny and Julie Hazelton’s young daughter Lucy Hazelton (10) also took first prize in the young handlers aged 8 to 12 years old on show day. Top work Lucy and the whole ‘Team Ranfurly’, what a day, and what a week! These wins came hard on the heels of Ranfurly Weikel 55th taking the Simmental Overall Reserve Supreme at the Royal Welsh Show.
Reserve Female Champion Ballinalare Farm Ritz
With a mighty track record at recent NI National Shows, and RUAS Balmoral Shows, Joe & Alan Wilson, Newry, Co Down were again ‘putting on the Ritz’ when winning the Reserve Overall Supreme and Reserve Female Championship with their May 2024 born heifer Ballinalare Farm Ritz. Shown in-calf to Camus Brandy, Ballinalare Farm Ritz is by Bighill Magic, and is out of the Denizes Fantastic sired Ballinalare Farm Ladybird. Of Ballinalare Farm Ritz, who was also a class winner at last year’s NI National Show, the judge Chris Martindale said: “My Reserve Champion was just another super heifer. Full of flesh she again had a great top and plates and really showed herself off. Both the Champion and Reserve were terrific animals and led what was a fantastic show of Simmental females.”
Ballinalare Farm Tikita
The all-conquering Ballinalare Farm Nikita has made quite the impression in recent years and whilst not shown at Clogher, her April 2026 born calf Ballinalare Farm Tikita was and picked up a first in the baby heifer class. Sired by Raceview King, Chris Martindale commented: “This is a lovely baby heifer and I am very sure she has a great future ahead of her.”
Junior Champion Hiltonstown Serenity
Continuing the theme of ‘super Simmental females’, the Overall Junior Champion came in the shape of Hiltonstown Serenity from Richard & Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, Co Antrim. Entirely homebred and got by AI, the July 2025 born Serenity is by the 20,000gns Hiltonstown Matrix, and is out of Hiltonstown Jet EX 92, a Cairnview Snazzy daughter. Of his Junior Champion the judge said: “What a flashy young heifer this is. She is so sweet and has so much potential to make a top-quality cow in the future. Keep an eye out for her next year.” Also speaking after the show, Richard Rodgers said: “Serenity was shown last weekend at Antrim Show and where she won her class. We are really delighted for her to now come and win the Junior Championship at our National Show. Her mother who is classified EX 92 has now bred five daughters of a type! Serenity is what I’d call a very typical Hiltonstown heifer who we’ll breed from and with a view to keep moving the quality of the herd forward”.
Male Champion & Reserve Junior Champion Corrick Spartan
Moving into the bulls and winning the Overall Male Championship, and Overall Reserve Junior was Corrick Spartan from Cecil & Scott McIlwaine, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone. April 2025 born, Spartan is by the well-known Saltire Impressive and is out of a polled bred cow Corrick Joan (P), a Curaheen Gunshot (P) daughter. The Corrick herd typically show at Clogher and Omagh as part of bringing through bulls for sale and have been good supporters of previous National Shows. Bulls show at previous Nationals have gone on top sales at both Swatragh and Dungannon with Corrick Patriot setting what was then a record price of 7200gns at Dungannon. Corrick Spartan had previously been shown this year at Omagh and where he stood first in his class. Of hi Male Champion the judge said: “Corrick Spartan is a very long, clean bull and again, well fleshed throughout. He paraded on a great set of legs and feet and was an easy winner. A bull with lots of potential, he’s one to look out for in February at Stirling.” Confirming that Corrick Spartan will be aimed at Stirling, Neil McIlwaine went on to say: “With a strong showing of young bulls at Clogher on the day, and at various ‘stages’ of their maturity, it was great to be awarded the Male Championship and we’re extremely pleased. We think Spartan has key modern day Simmental traits with exceptional width through his top, length and correctness, coupled with a very docile temperament.”
DANI Rosebowl winner Corrick Showman
Making it a ‘nifty double’ the May 2025 born Corrick Showman won the Dani Rose Bowl Bull Performance title awarded through a selection of EBV indexes and visual characteristics. Previously shown at Omagh where he was breed Male Champion, Showman went on to take the County Tyrone Interbreed Homebred Championship at just 13 months of age. Out of Corrick Molly (TF), who is full of home bred breeding, this Coose Lincoln sired bull is in the top 5% for Terminal production indices plus, 200 and 400 day weights. Showman will also be destined for the February Spring Sales in 2027.
Reserve Male Champion Omorga Shogun
Taking the Overall Reserve Male Championship, and winner of his junior bull class, was HJW & JC Moore, Beragh, Omagh, Co Tyrone. September 2025 born, Omorga Shogun is by the herd’s 20,000gns stock bull Denizes Monty, and is out of Crossane Perfect One, described as ‘a very nice type of Kilbride Farm Bantry cow with a lovely temperament”. Perfect One’s dam was the well-known Irish Show winning heifer Lissadell Just the One. Commenting on Omorga Shogun, who was being shown for the first time, the judge said: “My Reserve Male, Omorga Shogun, is a very modern young Simmental who should go on to be an impressive bull in the coming months”. Standing third in the same class was Omoraga Saracen, another Denizes Monty son and a full brother to Omorga Rocky sold at Stirling in February this year for 13,000gns. Of these two bulls going forward John Moore said: “From here, and all being well that these bulls keep going on and developing, we’ll be aiming them for sale ‘across the water’ in due course.”
By comment consent it was a terrific show of Simmentals and with Chris Martindale rounding off by saying: “Well done again to all of the exhibitors. I had a hugely enjoyable day judging some high-quality Simmental cattle. With the quality of stock that was put before me today I can very much say that the Simmental breed is in safe hands in Northern Ireland.”
With the prizes well spread round here are the herds that featured as first prize winners and in the special awards:
Ballinalare; Ballydavey; Bridgewater; Carrowcladagh; Coolcran; Corrick; Hiltonstown; Omorga; and Ranfurly
Well done to all of the Northern Ireland breeders, sponsors, and NI Simmental Breeders Club, for putting on a fantastic 2026 NI Simmental National Show at Clogher Valley, and please see the full results here:
Overall Champion, & Female Champions
Junior Female Champions
Female Champions
Male & Junior Male Champions
Junior Champions
Pairs – Ranfurly
Team of 3 – Ranfurly
Well done to all of the Northern Ireland breeders, sponsors, and NI Simmental Breeders Club, for putting on a fantastic 2026 NI Simmental National Show at Clogher Valley, and please see the full results here:
2026 NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW RESULTS
Clogher Valley Show
Judge: Chris Martindale
CLASS 144: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL COW OR HEIFER IN MILK OR IN CALF SPONSORED BY THREE VALLEYS
1st Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st
CLASS 145: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL SENIOR HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/01/24 & 30/06/24 SPONSORED BY CAMPBELL CONTRACTS
1st Ballinalare Farm Ritz
2nd Ranfurly Weikel 56th
3rd Mullyknock Ruth
CLASS 146: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL INTERMEDIATE HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/07/24 & 31/12/24 SPONSORED BY FARM VET SERVICES
1st Ranfurly Jade 2nd
2nd Broomfield Super Little D
Ranfurly Jade 2nd
CLASS 147: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/01/25 & 30/04/25 SPONSORED BY SKIP SERVICES ENNISKILLEN
1st Rathnashan There She Goes
2nd Lisglass Sapphire
3rd Lisglass Silverbell
4th Ballyrory Skye
CLASS 148: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/05/25 & 31/08/25 SPONSORED BY CARLAND MILL
1st Hiltonstown Serenity
2nd Mullyknock Sunshine
CLASS 149: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/09/25 & 31/12/25 SPONSORED BY COUNTRYSIDE SERVICES
1st Carrowcladagh Stella
2nd Gillview Sally Charlotte
3rd Gillview Susie
Carrowcladagh Stella
CLASS 150: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL HEIFER CALF BORN IN 2026 SPONSORED BY MILLBURN CONCRETE
1st Ballinalare Farm Tikita
2nd Ballinalare Farm Tequila
3rd Coolcran Heidi’s Tigerlilly
4th Derrycallaghan Topgirl
5th Mullyknock Twinkle
CLASS 152: CHAMPION FEMALE SIMMENTAL
Champion – Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st
Reserve Female Champion – Ballinalare Farm Ritz
CLASS 154: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR BULL BORN BETWEEN 01/01/25 AND 30/04/25 SPONSORED BY M KEYS TRANSPORT
1st Corrick Spartan
2nd Ballyrory Simba
CLASS 155: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR BULL BORN BETWEEN 01/05/25 AND 31/08/25 SPONSORED BY IRWIN FEEDS
1st Bridgewater Farm Superstar
2nd Mullyknock Scorpio
3rd Hiltonstown Sirocco
4th Corrick Showman
5th Drumsamney Sylvester
6th Drumsamney Samuel
Bridgewater Farm Superstar
CLASS 156: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR BULL BORN BETWEEN 01/09/25 AND 31/12/25 SPONSORED BY YARA
1st Omorga Shogun
2nd Ranfurly Standout
3rd Omorga Saracen
4th Lisglass Showman
5th Bridgewater Farm Starsky
CLASS 157: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL BULL CALF BORN IN 2026 SPONSORED BY EXCEL GENETICS
1st Coolcran Titan
2nd Derrycallaghan Tyson
Coolcran Titan
CLASS 158: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL DANI ROSEBOWL BULL PERFORMANCE AWARD SPONSORED BY FRC RECRUITMENT & CONSULTANCY
1st Corrick Showman
2nd Hiltonstown Sirocco
3rd Ranfurly Standout
CLASS 159: CHAMPION MALE SIMMENTAL SPONSORED BY AHV
Male Champion – Corrick Spartan
Reserve Male Champion – Omorga Shogun
CLASS 160: JUNIOR CHAMPION SIMMENTAL SPONSORED BY UNITED FEEDS
Junior Champion – Hiltonstown Serenity
Reserve Junior Champion – Corrick Spartan
CLASS 161: OVERALL SIMMENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st
CLASS 162: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL PAIRS, PROPERTY OF EXHIBITOR SPONSORED BY T MET
1st Ranfurly
2nd Corrick
3rd Hiltonstown
CLASS 163: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL GROUP OF 3 SPONSORED BY GEORGE HAMILTON MACHINERY
1st Ranfurly
2nd Lisglass
3rd Ballinalare Farm
CLASS 164: YOUNG HANDLERS AGED 8 TO 12 YEARS OLD ON SHOW DAY SPONSORED BY PROVITA
1st Lucy Hazelton
Winning young handler Lucy Hazelton (10)
CLASS 165: YOUNG HANDLERS AGED 13 TO 18 YEARS OLD ON SHOW DAY SPONSORED BY BOYD FEEDS
1st Lexi Heatrick
2nd Rhys Rodgers
3rd Timothy Hamilton
Lexi Heatrick, winner of the Young Handler class aged 13 to 18 years.
by Nicky Moreton | Jul 22, 2026 | 2026 North East News, 2026 News, 2026, 2026 Great Yorkshire Show
- Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar takes Reserve Overall Supreme Individual Interbreed
- Simmental wins Interbreed Team of Four for Second Year Running
- Popes Princess Lumi and Denizes Nugget win Interbreed Pairs
- Newbiemains win Reserve Overall, Male Champion, and Junior Champion
Adding to what has become a stellar show season, the stylish in-calf heifer Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar, aka ‘Roxy’, from the Rougemont pedigree herd of Mary Cormack, Leominster, Hereford, swept all before her to win the Simmental Overall Supreme Championship at the 2026 Great Yorkshire Show held in Harrogate.
Overall Champion, Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar
In perfect morning showing conditions on Wednesday 15th July, a quality line up of Simmentals strutted their stuff in front of a healthy crowd and the judge for the day Gavin Brown of the noted Springfield herd at Penicuik, Midlothian. With some real quality through the classes, the traditional Championship ‘tap’ was given to the January 2024 born Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar.
‘Roxy’ was purchased by Mary Cormack for 15,000gns at the Next Generation V Sale at Carlisle in December last year, and from breeders Paul & Sharrie Cade, Buckden, Peterborough. Sired by Sacombe Jameson 18, and out of Brandane Kathleen, Roxy is in-calf to Backmuir Pegasus. Rolling back to 2025, this heifer had stood Reserve Overall, Female Champion, and Junior Champion, at the Simmental English National Show.
Moving onto this year, and under the ownership of Mary Cormack, ‘Roxy’ has just continued to ‘wow’ the crowds and wrack up a host of titles. Taking a little look, here’s a summary of just some to date:
Great Yorkshire Show Overall Simmental Champion & female Champion, Reserve Overall Individual Interbreed, and part of the winning Simmental Interbreed Team of Four; Simmental Champion at the Royal Three Counties; Overall Simmental Champion and Individual Interbreed Supreme at the Royal Cornwall; and the Simmental Overall Supreme, and Reserve Interbreed Continental Championships at the Devon County in May. A fantastic show record!
Esme Cormack left, Jennifer Hyslop, and Mary Cormack with ‘Roxy’ after winning the Individual Interbreed Overall Supreme Reserve
Commenting on his Champion, the judge Gavin Brown said: “On the day, Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar was an exceptional animal that stood out from the rest of the championship line-up. She combined tremendous power and substance with all the femininity you would want to see in a top-class Simmental female. She was exceptionally well fleshed throughout while still retaining her female characteristics, showing real style, balance and presence. She had a beautiful head, excellent breed character and was backed up by outstanding conformation, carrying muscle and flesh in all the right places. This heifer was correct on her feet and legs, moved freely and confidently, and presented herself with great ring presence. Overall, she was a complete package and was a very worthy champion.”
Very much endorsing this was the well-known Individual Interbreed judge James Weightman, Peterlee, Co Durham who said: “This was very well balanced heifer who just exuded style with plenty of power. She has everything to go on and make a tremendous cow.”
The Great Yorkshire added to what has become a terrific summer showing season for the Simmental breed with some quality line ups going on to yield a number of Interbreed titles. At Harrogate, as well as the Reserve Overall Individual, the Simmentals lifted the Interbreed Team of Four, for the second consecutive year, and also won the Margaret Champion Continental Beef Pairs Interbreed.
Winning Simmental Interbreed Team of Four
Making up the winning Simmental Interbreed team was Denizes Nugget and Popes Princess Lumi from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar from Mary Cormack, and Ranfurly Weikel 55th from George Scrivens and Holly Grant. Of the winning team, James Weightman said: “The Simmental team were very correct, well balanced, and with plenty of power and style.” Denizes Nugget and Popes Princess Lumi then teamed up to win the Margaret Chapman Continental Beef Pairs in front of the judge for this competition, David Benson, Kelso, Roxs.
Reserve Female Champion, Popes Ruffles
Enjoying another trip ‘down south’ and having a hugely successful day was the Newbiemains herd of Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbiemains Farm, Annan, Dumfries. Amongst a number of ‘premier prizes, the herd’s June 2024 born heifer Popes Ruffles jointly owned with Ali Dodd, Tundergarth herd, Tundergarth Mains, Lockerbie, followed Rockstar right through from the class to being Reserve Overall Supreme, and Reserve Female Champion. In May this year at Carlisle, Popes Ruffles was purchased by this partnership for 14,000gns at the Popes Princesses Production Sale of heifers from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire. Sired by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, Ruffles is out of Springfield Magic whose pedigree goes back to the noted Woodhall Extra. Popes Ruffles is in-calf to Annick Klondyke and is due to calf early next year.
Speaking of his Overall Reserve Champion the judge Gavin Brown said: “Popes Ruffles was another outstanding female and, unsurprisingly, came from the same exceptionally strong class as my Champion. There was very little between the two, and she possessed many of the same qualities that made that class such a pleasure to judge. Ruffles had a fantastic outlook, with bags of style, class and breed character, combining femininity with a modern, eye-catching presence. Beneath that style was a female with excellent length, outstanding conformation and plenty of natural flesh, all carried on a very correct set of feet and legs.”
“The deciding factor between her and the Champion was simply the Champion’s slight advantage in overall size, scale and power. Aside from that, Popes Ruffles was a tremendous example of the modern Simmental female and very much the type of breeding female I admire and aim to breed myself. She was a thoroughly deserving Reserve Female Champion and Reserve Overall Champion.”
Just for the record, the Newbiemains roll call of 2026 prizes at the Great Yorkshire included: Overall Reserve Supreme; Overall Reserve Female; Male Champion; Junior Champion; Group of Three Winners; Pairs Winners; and a further class win. Top work from the Newbiemains team!
Male Champion, Newbiemains Sapphire 25
Whilst it was a Championship day for ‘fantastic females’, there were also some top Simmental bulls on show. Leading the way as the Male Champion, and also the Junior Champion was another from the Newbiemains stable in the shape of the classy Newbiemains Sapphire. This young February 2025 born bull is by the herd sire Islavale Jabba 18 (ET) EX 92, and is out of Newbiemains Jem EX 93 (EX2). Of his Male Champion Gavin Brown said: “Newbiemains Sapphire was, for me, the standout young bull on the day and, ultimately, the best male in the show. He is exactly the type of modern Simmental bull that I believe the breed should be striving to produce. He displayed tremendous breed character, with a really attractive head and a great turn of lug, giving him that unmistakable Simmental presence. While he certainly caught the eye for his style and ring presence, he more than backed it up with genuine power, natural flesh and excellent conformation. He stood squarely on good feet and legs and moved with ease and correctness.”
“He has all the makings of a top breeder’s bull, combining correctness, performance and natural fleshing ability with the easy-doing qualities commercial and pedigree breeders are looking for. Finished off with excellent colour and overall balance, he represented the modern Simmental type exceptionally well and again was a very deserving Male and Junior Male Champion.”
Of Newbiemains Sapphire, Niall Goldie said: “We think Sapphire is probably one of the best bulls we’ve bred at Newbiemains. He’s got tremendous width from front to back but also keeps his length with great locomotion. There’s that bit of style with a proper Simmental head and outlook. All being well he’ll go to the Stirling Sale this October as part of a team of five or six Newbiemains bulls.”
Described as a consistent breeder in the herd, Newbiemains Jem was also the dam of the March 2025 born embryo calf Newbiemains Solitaire, a Newbiemains Noble son and who won the youngest bull class of the day. Newbiemains Sapphire teamed up with Popes Ruffles to win the Simmental Pairs, and Solitaire joined the party to see the herd win the Group of Three.
Reserve Male Champion, Denizes Nugget 22
Just pipped into the Reserve Male position was the June 2022 born bull Denizes Nugget from the aforementioned Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston. Bred by M A Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, Nugget was purchased by the Woods for 37,000gns at Stirling in February 2024. He is sired by the well-known Denizes Hamish, and is out of Ashland Topaz Janet, a Team Celtic daughter. Beyond the breed judging Denizes Nugget went on to be a cornerstone of the Simmentals Interbreed successes featuring in both the winning Team of Four, and also the Margaret Chapman Continental Beef Pairs. Denizes Nugget arrived at Harrogate on the back of further multiple success at the Simmental English National Show held within the Royal Norfolk, and where he was Reserve Overall Supreme and Male Champion in the English National before going on to be Overall Reserve Interbreed, Continental Male Interbreed, and feature in the Reserve Team of Five, and Group of Three.
Commenting on the Reserve Male Champion, Gavin Brown said: “Denizes Nugget was a very good example of a senior Simmental bull and possessed many of the attributes you would expect from a mature breeding animal. He carried tremendous power and substance, with an exceptional amount of natural flesh and muscle throughout. Displaying good breed character, plenty of width and depth, he had the overall strength and presence expected of a senior bull.”
“When it came to the championship decision, however, I felt he just lacked the extra touch of style, character and overall presence shown by my Male Champion. Those qualities ultimately made the difference on the day. Nevertheless, he was a very strong, powerful senior bull and a worthy Reserve Male Champion.”
Reserve Junior Champion, Popes Sylas
There was more success for the Popes herd when their young April 2025 born bull, Popes Sylas, followed Newbiemains Sapphire through from the class to stand Reserve Junior Male Champion. Sylas is another by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, and is out of Springfield Melody, another Islavale Jabba 18 (ET) EX 92 daughter. Prolific and successful exhibitors at the Great Yorkshire Show, the Popes team had another red ticket when the six-year-old Popes Princess Lumi won the first female class of the day.
We’ll leave the last word with the judge Gavin Brown and his general reflections on the show of Simmentals and the Simmental breed:
“It was a fantastic show of Simmental cattle. While the numbers may not have been quite as high as the breed would have liked at such a prestigious event, the quality of the stock on display was truly exceptional. The standard throughout the classes was extremely high, but the heifer section, in particular, stood out. One class was especially outstanding, and I genuinely believe any of the first four heifers in that class would have been capable of winning at many local shows. That speaks volumes for the depth of quality on display.”
“For me, the modern Simmental is in a very strong place. The breed continues to retain its renowned maternal qualities while making tremendous progress in terms of natural fleshing ability, growth, daily liveweight gain and overall performance. To combine those commercial attributes with genuine breed character, style and correctness is a great achievement and something everyone involved with the breed should be proud of. It was also particularly pleasing to see the Simmental breed go on to enjoy such success in the interbreed competitions, as well as the pairs and team classes. That success demonstrated that, despite the smaller entry, the quality of the cattle was among the very best at the show. It was a tremendous advertisement for the breed and for all the breeders who exhibited.”
“Congratulations to everyone who brought cattle to the Great Yorkshire Show, and especially to those who went on to achieve success in the interbreed championships, pairs and team competitions. They were fitting rewards for an outstanding display of Simmental cattle and a credit to the breed as a whole.”
So it’s a massive well done to all of the exhibitors who showed and coming from counties across England, as well as Scotland. There were also a few first-time exhibitors which was great to see and the herds exhibiting were:
Denizes; Fircovert; Hallway; Lynfield; Melbournepark; Newbiemains; O’So’Good; Popes; Rougemont; Simply; Tapster; Tundergarth; Urswick; and Wacton.
Female & Overall Championship, Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar & Popes Ruffles
Junior Championship, Newbiemains Sapphire & Popes Sylas
Male Championship, Newbiemains Sapphire & Denizes Nugget
Winning Simmental Interbreed Pair, Popes Princess Lumi & Denizes Nugget, in the Margaret Chapman Beef Pairs Competition.
2026 Great Yorkshire Show
Wednesday 15th July 2026
Judge Gavin Brown, Penicuik, Midlothian
Results
Class 73 BULL born before 1 January 2025
1st Messrs JH & VG Wood Denizes Nugget 22
Class 74 BULL born on or after 1st January 2025
1st Mr J Goldie Newbiemains Sapphire 25
2nd Messrs JH & VG Wood Popes Sylas 25
3rd Messrs BT Stanley Melbourne Park Sniper 25
4th Miss L Harding Hallway Samson 25
5th Mr R Tremayne O’so’good Snowball 25
6th Mr G Scrivens Tapster Sinatra 25
7th Messrs BT Stanley Melbourne Park Strider 25
8th Mr O Airey Urswick Sauvage 25
Popes Princess Lumi
Class 75 COW OR HEIFER in-calf or with calf at foot, having had a certified calf before attaining the age of three years
1st Messrs JH VG Wood Popes Princess Lumi
2nd MA Barlow & Sons Heathbrow Koko Star (P)
3rd Mr P Gunther Fircovert Peggy
4th Mr S Steggles Brandane Mint
Class 76 HEIFER born in 2024
1st Mrs M Cormack Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar
2nd Mr J Goldie Popes Ruffles
3rd Mr G Scrivens Ranfurly Weikel 55th
4th MA Barlow & Sons Denizes Matilda 21st
5th Mr S Steggles Popes Princess Ruby
6th Mr R Bishop Lynfield Estelle
7th Mr T Fitton Simply Rosetta
Newbiemains Solitaire
Class 77 HEIFER born in 2025
1st Mr J Goldie Newbiemains Solitaire
2nd Mr S Steggles Vale Royal Annie’s Star
Group of Three
Class 78 GROUP OF THREE ANIMALS
1st Mr J Goldie
2nd Mr S Steggles
Pairs
Class 79 PAIR OF ANIMALS
1st Mr J Goldie
2nd Messrs JH & VG Wood
Junior Champion
Mr J Goldie Newbiemains Sapphire 25
Reserve Junior Champion
Messrs JH & VG Wood Popes Sylas 25
Male Champion
Mr J Goldie Newbiemains Sapphire 25
Reserve Male Champion
Messrs JH & VG Wood Denizes Nugget 22
Female Champion
Mrs M Cormack Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar
Reserve Female Champion
Mr J Goldie Popes Ruffles
Overall Supreme Champion
Mrs M Cormack Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar
Reserve Overall Supreme Champion
Mr J Goldie Popes Ruffles
by Nicky Moreton | May 14, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Northern Ireland News, 2026 News, 2026 Balmoral Show
Ballinalare Farm Nikita Wins Overall Simmental Supreme for fourth consecutive year
Lisglass Sapphire takes Overall reserve & Junior Champion
Mullynock Scorpio is crowned Male Champion
Supreme Champion Ballinalare Farm Nikita
Rewriting the Simmental record books is the amazing Ballinalare Farm Nikita from Joe & Alan Wilson, Newry, who with her cracking heifer calf at foot, won a record breaking fourth Royal Ulster Balmoral Show Simmental Overall Supreme Championship, on the first day of this early summer ‘major’ at Balmoral Park, Lisburn, Co Antrim. Judging the Simmental classes and Championships was John Barlow of the noted Denizes herd, Lancashire.
The win for this February 2022 born Simmental female, in what was a quality show of some 20 pedigree Simmental cattle, saw this remarkable lady complete a record four-in-a-row Simmental Championships and to set a new record for Simmental cattle at a designated ‘major’ and possibly a record for any breed at these same events!
Ballinalare Farm Nikita’s calf at foot was the April 2026 born Ballinalare Farm Tikita, who is sired by the noted Raceview King. See the video with this post
Striding out in the first class of the day, Ballinalare Farm Nikita picked up the Female Championship before winning the day’s top prize. Nikita is by the well-known Saltire Impressive and is out of Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa, a Denizes Fantastic daughter.
The roll call for this incredible now four year old cow sees her having four consecutive wins at Balmoral, three in a row at NI Simmental National Shows, and along with multiple interbreed titles at various NI shows.
Reserve Supreme & Junior Champion Lisglass Sapphire
Lifting the Overall Reserve Supreme, the Overall Junior Championship, and the Reserve Female Championship, was the super stylish young heifer Lisglass Sapphire from Leslie & Chris Weatherup, Irish Hill, Ballyclare, Co Antrim. April 2025 born, this calf is another by Raceview King, and is out of Dermody Princess who herself stood Reserve Female to Nikita at Balmoral in 2024, and has also been Reserve Female at the NI Simmental National Show.
Male & Overall Reserve Junior Champion Mullyknock Scorpio
Taking the Male Championship, and the Overall Reserve Junior Championship was the May 2025 born bull Mullynock Scorpio from Robert Forde, Tempo, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. A first prize winner at the 2025 NI Simmental National Show at Clogher, this calf is by Clonagh Tiger Gallant, and again features Raceview breeding being out of Raceview Prety Lady Gretta.
See the full results below and keep an eye out for updates as the Interbreeds take place over the next three days…
2026 Balmoral Show Simmental Results
Cow in calf or in milk having had calf by age of three years
1st Alan Wilson 163 Ballinalare Farm Nikita
2nd Connor Wilkinson 164 Clonagh Polly Holly
Ranfurly Weikel 56th
Heifer, in calf or calf at foot, born on after 1st January 2024, and on or before 30 June 2024
1st W D & J D Hazelton 165 Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5
2nd Alan Wilson 166 Ballinalare Farm Ritz
Ranfurly Jade 2nd R13
Heifer born on or after 1st July 2024 and on or before 31st Dec 2024
1st W D & J D Hazelton 168 Ranfurly Jade 2nd R13
2nd Connor Wilkinson 167 Broomfield Super Little D
3rd Susan McCullough 169 Rathnashan Star Neptune
HEIFER, born on or after 1st January 2025 and on or before 30th April 2025
1st J L & C J Weatherup 171 Lisglass Sapphire
2nd J L & C J Weatherup 172 Lisglass Silverbell
3rd Bridgewater Farm 170 Bridgewater Farm Wisteria 6th
4th Susan McCullough 173 Rathnashan There She Goes
HEIFER, born on or after 1st May 2025 and on or before 31st December 2025
1st JL & CL Weatherup 165 Lisglass Star
2nd R Forde 176 Mullyknock sunshine
3rd Bridgewater Farm 177 Bridgewater Farm Kleeb 4th
Bridgewater Farm Samson
Bull, born on or after 1st January 2025 and on or before 30th April 2025
1st Bridgewater Farm 178 Bridgewater Farm Samson 25
Bull, born on or after 1st May 2025 and on or before 31st December 2025
1st Robert Forde 180 Mullyknock Scorpio
2nd Jl & CJ Weatherup 183 Lisglass Showman
3rd Bridgewater Farm 182 Bridgewater Farm Superstar 25
4th L Wilson 181 Ballinalare Farm Supremo
Best pair Ranfurly Weikel 56 and Ranfurly Jade 2nd R13
Pair of animals, bona fide the property of one exhibitor and entered in the classes for which they are eligible.
1st W D & J D Hazelton, Ranfurly
2nd L Wilson, Ballinalare Farm
3rd J l & C J Weatherup, Lisglass
Supreme Champion
Ballinalare Farm Nikita A Wilson
Reserve Supreme Champion
Lisglass Sapphire J L & C J Weatherup
Junior Champion
Lisglass Sapphire J L & C J Weatherup
Reserve Junior Champion
Mullyknock Scorpio R Forde
Female Champion
Ballinalare Farm Nikita J & A Wilson
Reserve Female Champion
Lisglass Sapphire J L & C J Weatherup
Male Champion
Mullyknock Scorpio R Forde
Reserve Male Champion
Lisglass Showman J L & C J Weatherup
by Nicky Moreton | May 5, 2026 | 2026 Stirling Sales, 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 News
28 Simmental bulls average £9758, up by £963 on the year, for three more sold
£9758 is a new record Simmental average for the May Stirling Sale
Sixth consecutive year a new record Simmental average at this fixture
Simmentals lead the all-breeds averages
Eight Simmental bulls make 10,000gns and more
Clearance rate of 85%
‘May the 4th be with you’ was the theme of the day as Simmental bulls sold to a new record average at the May Stirling Simmental Sale at United Auctions, on Monday 4th May.
Maisley Rip 24 15,000gns
Leading the way, and tearing it up, was Maisley Rip from Michael Stronach, Maisley, Keith. This November born bull is by the noted Coose Lincoln EX 95, who has had sons up to 20,000gns, and is out of Maisley Fizz’s Martini VG 85. With terrific figures across the board, including a breed top 1% for Maternal (Milk), this bull went commercially when bought by Iain Johnston, Kirkton Farm, Falkirk.
Very much a front and centre part of the Islavale team, Michael Stronach established his own Maisley prefix, and with father Stewart offering him the pick of the heifers as a 21st birthday present. The wise choice saw him go for Islavale Fizz and with the Stirling sale topper Maisley Rip coming directly from that line! The 15,000gns is a top sale price to date for the Maisley prefix and with another bull aimed at the October Stirling Sale.
A good, working show of Simmental bulls averaged £9758, a new Simmental record average for this fixture. Eight bulls made 10,000gns and more, and with the 28 out of 33 sold realising a terrific clearance rate of 85%. Remarkably this is the sixth consecutive year in a row that a new record Simmental average has been set at this May fixture. The Simmentals also led the all-breeds averages for the second consecutive round of Stirling Sales, following on from February this year. Commercial producers once again underpinned the demand and when purchasing seven out of the eight five figure bulls.
Commenting after the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager Iain Kerr said: “There’s a sustained demand for Simmental breeding from commercial producers at present, and it’s been great to see that continued at this May Sale and following on from February here at Stirling. On the day the good bulls in themselves with proven breeding behind them, combined with figures for milk and calving, were readily sold. This efficiency of the Simmental breed in what it offers maternally, and with the increased recognition of its terminal abilities in age at slaughter and daily carcase gain, is making a practical mark commercially. I’m really pleased for the breeders to see them sell more bulls on the year and to an increased average.”
Islavale Rafferty 24 14,000gns
Including the top price, a fine team of four bulls from the Stronach family all made over figure figures and averaged a terrific £13,650. Selling at 14,000gns was the December 2024 born Islavale Rafferty who had placed Reserve Supreme Overall and Junior Champion in the pre-sale show of bulls judged by Richard Rodgers of the noted Hiltonstown herd, Portglenone, Co Antrim. The second youngest bull in the catalogue, Islavale Rafferty is by Bighill Parker who has already had sons sell up to 15,000gns at Stirling in February this year.
Judge Richard Rodgers in action at Stirling
With a show record to boot, Rafferty was Senior Overall Champion at the Stars of the Future Calf Show in November 2025. Again with breeding and figures, Islavale Rafferty 24 is in the breed’s top 15% for Maternal (Milk), and also Eye Muscle Score.
This bull went to the well-known Keeldrum pedigree herd of David Lowry, Newsteadings Farm, Lanark. Commenting on his purchase Mr Lowry said: “I first saw this bull as a calf at the Stars of the Future Show in November and really liked him, and he’s grown on well since then. He’s a very breedy looking bull with a beautiful Simmental head. He’s got a super top, has plenty of width, and is very good on his feet and legs. Rafferty will now be the junior herd sire and will be used on Denizes Impeccable daughters.”
Islavale Raphael 24 12,500gns
Selling at 12,500gns was the first prize winner in the third class of the day, Islavale Raphael. This ‘eye catching’ November 2024 born bull is another by Coose Lincoln EX 95, and is out of the Curaheen Giant daughter Islavale Libby VG 89. Again with breeding and good figures, Raphael has a well above breed average Maternal (Milk) figure, and is in the top 10% for Eye Muscle Area. Buying this bull was Robert Bell & Partners, Craigo, Milnathort, Kinross.
Auchorachan Robbie 24 12,000gns
Selling at 12,000gns was the first prize winner and Reserve Senior Champion in the shape of Auchorachan Robbie 24 from D&R Durno & Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. A stylish, dark red bull, Robbie is sired by the 11,000gns Hemingford Nelson EX93, who is half-brother to the record breaking 56,000gns Hemingford Prince Charming, and is out of Auchorachan Madie GP 84, a Greencap Kane 19 EX 91 daughter. This bull went to Huntly when selling to J Hunter & Co, Braehead, Bainshole. A few lots later and the Duron’s confirmed a good day when selling another Nelson son, Auchorachan Redford for 8000gns to noted commercial producers Hamilton Organic Ltd, Aikengall, Dunbar.
Well House Rhythm is a dancer 24 10,500gns
Four bulls made 10,500gns. The first of these was early in the catalogue and in the form of the third prize winner Well House Rhythm Is A Dancer from M/S A&B Munro, Wellhouse Farm, Beauly. This upstanding bull is by Kilbride Farm Islander 17, and is out of Well House Jasmine 29th, a Blackford Island Rock daughter. Again with a well above average Maternal (Milk) figure, this bull was knocked down to J&J Marshall, Daleigh, Morayshire.
Woodhall Rancher 24 10,500gns
Also at this 10,500gns figure was the August 2024 born Woodhall Rancher 24 from F&J MacAskill, Woodhall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar. This bull is by the privately purchased Mixbury Hall Magnus 21, a son of the noted Tilbrook Frank, and is out of Woodhall Ingrid, an Islavale Frontier 14 daughter. Another Simmental bull with good calving and maternal (milk) figures, Woodhall Rancher 24 sold to the Borders and WW Dunlop & Son, Commonside, Hawick.
Westridge Remington 24 10,500gns
Enjoying a solid day’s trading was Ward Farms (Scotland), West Mains Farm, Carnwath, with their top priced bull being 10,500gns for the third prize bull Westridge Remington 24. October 2024 born, this bull is sired by Coltfield Maestro 21, and is out of Westridge Hawk Bess. With a very good Maternal (Milk) figure, Remington was bought by W&W Dawson & Sons, Whinbrae, Huntly. Another Coltfield Maestro son, Westridge Rio 24, a few lots earlier in the sale sold for 8200gns to T Howden & Sons, Balerno, Midlothian.
Islavale Rafiki 24 10,500gns
The final bull at the 10,500gns figure was another from the Stronach family in the shape of the fully homebred Islavale Rafiki. October 2024 born, Rafiki is by Islavale Echo 2 13 EX 92, and is out of Islavale Natalie 2, a Corskie Highlander daughter. Full of breeding and figures Islavale Rafiki is in the breed’s top 5% for Maternal (Milk), and top 10% for Calving Ease Direct, and Self Replacing Index. Buying this bull was GM Mitchell & Son, Hilton of Carslogie, Cupar, Fife.
Delfur Rolex 24 9500gns
Selling at 9500gns was the Reserve Junior Champion, Delfur Rolex 24 from Delfur Farms, Dundurcas Farm House, Rothes, Aberlour. With good Maternal (Milk) figures and strong Terminal and Self Replacing Indexes, Rolex is by the 28,000gns Islavale Magnum, and is out of Delfur Evelyn L14 an Innerwick Ivor 17 daughter. Buying this bull was Farquharson Farms, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire. Another Islavale Magnum son, Delfur Romeo earlier made 7000gns when selling to F Bradley, Tillyminate, Huntly.
Another young bull at the 9500gns mark was Rockytop Rooster from Gary & Angela Christie, Birchfield, Glass, Huntly. Sired by Annick Manhattan 21, and out of Rockytop Tinka’s Geneva, this bull carried top 5% figures for Maternal (Milk), and top 10% Terminal Production, and Self replacing Indexes. When the hammer went down this bull was bought by RM Lamont, Creagmhor, Glenelg, Kyle.
Springfield Reeves 24 9000gns
Early in the catalogue, Gavin Brown, Penicuik, Midlothian, sold his powerful bull Springfield Reeves for 9000gns. In the pre-sale show, this June 2024 bull had stood second in his class to the day’s Overall Supreme Champion. Described as “having fantastic length and shape from a calf, right through to present, and always carrying natural flesh,” Springfield Reeves was also +8 for Maternal (Milk). This bull was sold to the North of England and S Shell & Sons, Brandon, Alnwick, Northumberland.
RMS & ATD Pettit, The Den, Fochabers made 8500gns when selling Spey-Bay Rocky 24 for 8500gns to OF Adam, Highholm Farm, Dunfermline. A second prize bull to the Reserve Senior Champion, Rocky is another by Coose Lincoln EX 95, the sire of the day’s top price, and is out of Woodhall Wynn, a Corrick Kentucky Kid daughter. With breeding and figures, Spey-Bay Rocky is +13 for Maternal (Milk) putting him in the breed’s top 5%.
Islavale Rafferty & Delfur Rolex, Junior Championship
Robgill Rocky and Auchorachan Robbie, Senior Championship
Robgill Rocky & Islavale Rafferty, Overall Championship
by Nicky Moreton | Apr 30, 2026 | 2026 News, 2026, 2026 Scottish News
Gavin and Anna Brown have been breeding pedigree Simmental cattle for 12 years, having started with just two Highland cows a year earlier. Today, their Midlothian farm carries 30 pure Simmental females, eight Simmental-cross females, 14 Highland cattle, 200 commercial sheep and 30 pure Suffolks. Springfield Farm, near Penicuik in Midlothian, extends to 300 acres, comprising 200 acres of grassland and 100 acres of woodland.
The couple, who have five-year-old twins, Logan and Josh, bought the farm in 2010. Back then, there was just one shed and, in Gavin’s words, the fields were ‘rank’. They bought Highlanders first, as they were the easiest and most useful cattle to put on the largely peat-based farm, and then spent the next 10 years improving badly run-down soil. Four years on and the couple decided to invest in pure-bred Simmental cows to breed what they saw as the ideal female for their system.
Gavin Brown (image: Rob Haining)
They were drawn to the breed for its docility, ease of calving and carcase quality – key traits for producing the ultimate breeding cow under a commercial, low input regime. “I had always liked the look of the Simmental, and they were known to be a calm, easy-handled breed,” explains Gavin. “Because of the nature of the ground, we had to be able to run a pedigree herd on a commercial, low-input system, and it’s reasonable to say the Simmental has lived up to my expectations, and more.” The Browns now 38 females, including 30 purebred Simmentals and eight Simmental-cross cows used as recipients, alongside their 14 Highland cattle.
Some of the Highland cattle grazing near the holiday pods (image: Rob Haining)
While the Simmentals are bred for the pedigree market, the Highlanders primarily supply the farm’s wholesale meat business, with any bulls showing breeding potential sold through Oban and females used as replacements. At present, Gavin says two of the six Highland bulls on the ground ‘will make it’ as breeders, with the remaining four destined for the food chain. The couple also sells home-produced lamb and pork in a pop-up shop on site twice a month and aim to open a small farm shop in the future.
The Browns run 4 holiday pods with a further two getting fitted out to be placed onsite soon (image: Rob Haining)
When it comes to Simmentals, the goal is to breed naturally fleshy cattle with depth, width and style and for Gavin, getting the genetics right from the outset has been crucial. “Our foundation females originated from the Woodhall herd, with the purchase of two heifers that consistently produce cattle that go on and perform,” he says. “All our cows have done their bit, but I’d also have to mention Hazelden Jingles 1, which repeatedly produced top-quality show stock over the years. Now we’re seeing our own breeding making its stamp on the herd, which is both pleasing and encouraging.” Gavin’s eye for stock is driven by a clear template. “When it comes to selecting new stock, I look for a naturally fleshed animal that has character. I like a bit of power and a big character – big but not extreme. It’s just as important that the animal has length and good cover. I like a female to be milky, and a heifer that looks like she’ll be a good cow maker.
Home grown silage is the staple diet of the herd (image: Rob Haining)
Usually, if you find an animal with a big, sweet, breedy head and a big nose end, the rest follows.” Over the years, several stock bulls have stamped their mark on Springfield, but two stand out. Shilo Freedom was privately purchased in Ireland in 2015 for €4000 after Gavin spotted him on Facebook as a show calf. “He was well fleshed with good cover and has bred good stock that have been retained in the herd.”
Young Bulls Springfield Son, Sonny Bill and Sumo (image: Rob Haining)
His out-and-out favourite, however, is Islavale Jabba, which he describes as his greatest investment and the bull that has really taken the herd forward. Bought six years ago at the United Auctions’ May Stirling Bull Sales for 6000gns, Jabba was actually Anna’s choice on the day. “He had length, muscle and balance, and he has produced prolific females and males that have proven successful in both pedigree and commercial herds,” says Gavin. The Browns also have Bighill Plato, which is shared with the Annan-based Newbie Mains herd. However, they are now on the lookout for a replacement for Jabba, which has reached the end of his tenure.
Springfield farm home to the Brown family (image: Rob Haining)
But, in contrast to many bull breeders, Gavin will not be basing his future choice of stock bull on EBVs. “I look at the animal first, and if the figures happen to be good, then it’s a bonus,” he says. “Some people are inherently driven by figures. It’s what they trust, and in my opinion, they couldn’t be further from the truth, as the validity of those figures remains questionable. Why follow something that is 40% accurate?
Springfield Spike one of last year calve crop housed in the shed over winter (image: Rob Haining)
“There’s a happy medium between having two bulls of the same age, and one’s bigger and leaner as opposed to one that’s well fleshed but smaller in scale. One might be a few inches taller and the same weight, but on paper, they’ll look the same! “Study the animal and go for something with shape that puts on natural flesh and weight quickly, so it shows the potential for the meat side later. We want something that will get those weights early on, so it meets both the fat guys’ and the store boys’ criteria, because the potential is there. At the end of the day, your eye’s your merchant.”
The Simmental’s strong fertility and productivity are now making a real impact at Springfield. Calving difficulties are rare, and barren cows are almost unheard of. “We try to calf everything in late April and early May, with the bull left out for two turns to keep calving tight,” Gavin explains. “If they don’t hold or we have problems, then they’re culled. We have been extremely fortunate and have only ever had to cull one and that was for her age.”
Home grown silage is the staple diet of the herd (image: Rob Haining)
Cull cows are often flushed before sale to retain their superior genetics within the herd if they have been recognised as good breeders. “In our last run of bulls in February last year, we calved 26 cows with 16 bulls, of which 15 made it, and the rest were heifers. We only killed one in that batch, with the remainder averaging £8000,” he adds.
Halter training for sale entries Rebel and Reeves (image: Rob Haining)
Cows are housed from October until calving, then turned out to grass. Indoors, they are bedded on peat sourced from a neighbouring site, having previously relied on straw. Gavin calculates that peat is saving the farm around £3600 per month in material costs alone and says it is also more efficient in practice, with the shed now cleaned out every three weeks instead of using four bales of straw per day. “Using peat bedding on the run up to sales keeps cattle cleaner, as the dung falls straight off,” he says. “There are also fewer foot problems as moisture and heat are less of an issue in peat.” An added bonus is its value as an organic fertiliser. “We haven’t bought artificial manure for 10 years,” Gavin points out.
The Springfield herd of Simmental cattle were founded in 2014 (image: Rob Haining)
Stock is fed a straightforward diet of haylage until the weather and grass allow turnout, but never before May. Weaning takes place at 10 months, with all calves reared on Davidsons Ultimate Top Blend. The aim is always to promote beef production rather than pedigrees. “That’s your breadwinner,” he says. “If you happen to get one that’s a pedigree breeder’s animal, that’s brilliant, but that’s not what we’re aiming for.
Springfield Rebel is Lot: 478 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
We try to keep it completely commercial by running a simple system. “This blend can be fed from weaning right through to selling and is used for both beef and sheep rearing.” He is careful not to push his bulls, describing it as ‘a very fine balance getting everything right’, for an uncomplicated system. Typically, two or three females are retained annually as herd replacements, with any surplus heifers sold for breeding. Bulls are sold either through United Auctions’ Stirling Bull Sales in February or May, or privately from home.
Recently built shed to house the cows over winter (image: Rob Haining)
Gavin is now building a reputation and sells four to six bulls privately each year. “We try to muster somewhere between eight and 14 bulls to go to the February and May Stirling sales,” he says. The Springfield herd has already posted some strong sale results, with their best to date being 13,500gns for Springfield Pace sold to a commercial breeder in Orkney.
Springfield Rebel is Lot: 478 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
Across private and market sales last year, bulls averaged £7000. “I rarely sell bulls which reach the teens in value; however, I would rather sell all my stock to average £7000 than sell one at £20,000 and five to the killing house,” says Gavin. Looking ahead to the May sales, the couple will have two senior bulls forward, both sons of Islavale Jabba. Springfield Rebel, a July 2024-born bull, is out of the 15-year-old Woodhall Clinique, one of the herd’s foundation cows, while 22-month-old Springfield Reeves is out of the homebred Springfield Kiana.
Last year’s heifer crop, currently housed with the last years bulls in the neighbouring pen (image: Rob Haining)
Away from the sale ring, Springfield Simmentals have also become a formidable force in the show ring, enjoying notable success at calf shows over the years. Showing has undoubtedly helped raise the herd’s profile. “We like to take cattle to LiveScot at Lanark, which we’ve won twice, Borderway Agri Expo, where we’ve been overall champion once and reserve twice, and Stars of the Future Calf Show, overall champion once and reserve once,” Gavin comments.
Springfield Reeves is Lot: 477 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
The couple has also tasted success at the Next Gen V Simmental show and sale at Carlisle, and they regularly support the Royal Highland Show, as well as their local Dalkeith and Peebles Shows. Demand for Springfield Simmentals remains strong, and the Browns are optimistic about the future.
“Some of our stock has already made its way into other pedigree herds, with females bought by notable breeders,” says Gavin. “When we started, we expected it to take 10 years for us to establish ourselves and be recognised. But thanks to Facebook, we hit the mark somewhere between seven and eight years. I can’t think how many thousands of pounds’ worth we’ve put out through Facebook and cattle and sheep sales. “Never underestimate the power of social media,” he concluded.
The Browns run 4 holiday pods with a further two getting fitted out to be placed onsite soon (image: Rob Haining)
FARM FACTS
■ Farm acreage – Springfield, near Penicuik, runs to 300 acres – 200 acres of grazing and 100 of woodland.
■ History – Gavin and Anna bought Springfield in 2010.
■ Farm Labour – Gavin, Anna and one full-time man, Fraser Kay, who also works with Sportsmasters, a company owned by Gavin and Anna, which constructs and maintains artificial and natural sports surfaces.
■ Stock – a herd of 30 pedigree Simmental females, eight Simmental cross females, 14 Highland cattle, 200 commercial sheep and 30 pure Suffolks.
■ Calving – Takes place indoors in late April, early May, with cattle on a peat bed and fed on grass and haylage.
■ Diversification – six rental pods, a meat retailing business, two wind turbines and a 16-horse livery.
ON THE SPOT
■ Best investment – Islavale Jabba
■ Biggest achievement – being shortlisted in the Farming Awards for Farm Diversification of the year.
■ Best advice – Alan Jackson once said, calves are feeders, not for shelter!
■ Top tips – Train animals when they are young if you have the time. Go with your gut and trust in it. No regrets, just bad experiences you learn from!
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