DELFUR NIFTY WINS OVERALL INDIVIDUAL PEDIGREE INTERBREED AT LIVESCOT

DELFUR NIFTY WINS OVERALL INDIVIDUAL PEDIGREE INTERBREED AT LIVESCOT

• Delfur Nifty and Delfur Weigela N12 win Reserve Interbreed Pairs

In what was a ‘fantastic Friday’ for Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour, the November 2022 born Simmental heifer Delfur Nifty won the Simmental Championship and the Overall Individual Interbreed on the opening evening of the Scottish National Fatstock Club’s Livescot Pedigree Calf Show on Friday 24th November at Lawrie & Symington’s Livestock Market, Lanark.

Overall Simmental Champion and Interbreed Champion Delfur Nifty

Initially put up as Simmental Champion by John Morton, Annan, in a show of some 29 Simmental entries, Delfur Nifty then went on to get the Overall Pedigree Championship tap from Interbreed judge Dennis Gall, Millhill, Stirling. Rounding off a cracking evening, Delfur Nifty then teamed up with her stablemate Delfur Weigela N12, to take Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs. Very much a ‘Delfur dynamic duo’, Delfur Weigela N12 had also been a class winner earlier and had placed Overall Simmental Reserve Champion.

Delfur Nifty is by Ballymoney Larry, a Saltire Impressive son, and is out of Delfur Joyful, an Islavale Cassius daughter. Delfur Weigela N12 is also a Ballymoney Larry daughter, and is out of Delfur Weigela E12, an Auchorachan ACDC daughter.

Reserve Champion Simmental Delfur Weigela N12

Very much a ‘Delfur dynamic duo’ this heifer combination also placed Champion and Reserve, in an entry of 60 Simmentals, at the recent Simmental Youngstock Show held within the Borderway Agri Expo event at Carlisle. Further success was achieved at the Stars of the Future Calf Show in Stirling where Delfur Nifty placed Reserve Senior Female, and with Delfur Weigela N12 winning her class.

Commenting, Delfur Simmental herd manager Garry Patterson said: “This Interbreed win has really capped a terrific run of pedigree calf shows for these two heifers. Across the three events, Simmental Youngstock, Stars of the Future, and now Livescot there really has been a tremendous strength in numbers and quality of Simmental calves shown. To meet with the success we have had, and now to win an Interbreed, is really beyond our expectation. The aim at the outset was very much just to build a little profile for Delfur Simmentals and to showcase the type of heifers we are looking to breed across the herd.” The Delfur herd presently comprises of 120 breeding females.

Kicking off with the young bulls other Simmental class winners on the night included the November 2022 born Braegarrie Nightrider from Lindsay & Robert Currie, Pinclanty, Pinmore, Girvan. This calf is by Overhill House Link, and is out of Braegarrie Hannah, a Teviot Bouncer son.

Winning the second bull calf class was Newbiemains Pacquiao. Pulling no punches, the February 2023 born Pacquiao is by Auchorachan Kennedy 19 EX92, an Auchorachan Hercules EX92 son, and is out of Newbiemains Knockout VG88, a Skerrington Iceman 17 EX95 daughter. This young bull now heads to the Next Generation III Simmental Sale of Females & Weaned Calves due to be held on Friday 1st December at Borderway Market, Carlisle.

In the youngest female class of the day, it was a first prize red ticket for Castlewigg Empire Stella 3 from Frank Gwynne, Castlewigg Farm, Whithorn, Newton Stewart. February 2023 born, this young lady is a Sterling Empire 13 EX94 daughter, and is out of the herd’s noted Castlewigg Stella Data.

Interbreed Championship
Garry Patterson

Simmental Results: Livescot 2023, Lanark Market
Class 1036 Bull born between 1st July 2022 and 31st December 2022
1st – Lot 133: DL & S Currie – BRAEGARRIE NIGHTRIDER s. Overhill House Link
2nd – Lot 134: J & E Dyet – MERKLAND NELSON s. Merkland Infinity
3rd – Lot 128: N & N Gwynne – CHESTERMANN NEYMAR s. Chestermann Gibble


Class 1037 Bull born after 1st January 2023
1st – Lot 138: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS PACQUIAO s. Auchorachan Kennedy
2nd – Lot 136: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE PATRICK s. Corskie Lambe
3rd – Lot 139: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD PERRY s. Islavale Jabba


Class 1038a Heifer born between 1st July 2022 and 31st October 2022
1st – Lot 146: Delfur Farms – DELFUR WEIGELA N12 s. Ballymoney Larry
2nd – Lot 141: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD NEXT GENERATION s. Islavale Jabba
3rd – Lot 142: Gavin Brown – SPRINFIELD NIGHT SHADE s. Islavale Jabba


Class 1038b Heifer born between 1st November 2022 and 31st December 2022
1st – Lot 147: Delfur Farms – DELFUR NIFTY s. Ballymoney Larry
2nd – Lot 148: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS NAP s. Newbiemains Daz
3rd – Lot 151: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE NIGELA s. pending DNA

Frank Gwynne


Class 1039 Heifer born after 1st January 2023
1st – Lot 153: Frank Gwynne – CASTLEWIGG EMPIRE STELLA 3 s. Sterling Empire
2nd – Lot 152: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS POSH WAG s. Carbery Lightening
3rd – Lot 154: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS PRETTY WOMAN s. Auchorachan Kennedy


Champion
Lot 147: Delfur Farms – DELFUR NIFTY
Reserve Champion
Lot 146: Delfur Farms – DELFUR WEIGELA N12


Interbreed Champion
Lot 147: Delfur Farms – DELFUR NIFTY

5000GNS ASHLAND LUCY NORA TOPS SIMMENTAL SALE IN SWATRAGH

5000GNS ASHLAND LUCY NORA TOPS SIMMENTAL SALE IN SWATRAGH

• Robgill Neptune leads the bulls at 4500gns.
• Strong demand and trade for females
• Commercial heifers top at £2100

There was strong trade at the recent Northern Ireland Simmental Club show and sale for both pedigree bulls and females as well as commercial females. The event was held at Swatragh Livestock Market on Friday 27th October and saw large crowds gathering on the night.

Simmental has been the breed of choice for many NI farmers for both positive maternal and terminal characteristics and is continuing to remain profitable with the overall sale average, bulls and females, reaching £2,581.

There was an exceptional turnout of young bulls on show with two being sold to pedigree herds in Northern Ireland and Scotland and the average reaching £3,461.

Judge John Warnock

Judge John Warnock from Carrowdore, Newtownards, was impressed by “the very good show of quality stock” which was as good he had “seen in a long time”. He noted he was particularly pleased by the Male and Female Champions.

Overall Champion Robgill Neptune

It was Robgill Neptune who was crowned Overall Champion on the night, bred by the Farrell Family, Dromore, County Tyrone. This outstanding May 2022 born young bull is a son of Newbiemains Interceptor and a homebred Dermotstown Delboy cow, Robgill Olivia.

His power, length and flashy colour caught the eye of buyer, Barry Chambers, Shanehill Simmentals, Portadown, who purchased him for 4,500gns. As well as exhibiting an attractive appearance, Robgill Neptune displays superb figures which Barry noted will hopefully be an asset to his herd.

Dunrock Newboy

Dunrock New Boy, bred by the Quinn family, Cookstown, caught the eye of the judge with his length and muscle cover to secure Reserve Champion but remains with his breeder.

Coolcran Nailer

Coolcran Nailer, bred by the McDonald family, Tempo, was sold to the Glenlossie herd of Brian Sutherland, Moray, Scotland for 3,300gns He is in the top 15% of the breed for terminal traits including 600-day weight which is advantageous from both a pedigree and commercial perspective.

Female Champion Ashland Lucy Nora

Ashland Lucy Nora, bred by Pat Kelly, Tempo was the Overall Female Champion and made the top price of 5,000gns. This April 2022 heifer has several top bloodlines in her pedigree including her sire, Ashland Legacy, Woodhall Ferrari, Atlow Dixon and Bel Dhu Capercaillie. This was reflected in her eye-catching presence in the ring with super mobility and strong potential as a pedigree breeding female. She was purchased by Peter Murtagh, Newry, Co Down.

Craigy Keira M6

A further two heifers were secured by Peter on the night, bred by William Dodd, Craigy Keira M6 for 3,200gns and Craigy Keira N1 for 3,000gns. The Dodd family also had a successful evening of trade selling their three heifers, with the third, Craigy Keira N5 selling for 1,900gns to Alan Minnis.

Craigy Keira N1
Ranfurly Weikel 46th M18

Ranfurly Weikel 46th was the Reserve Female Champion, bred by the Hazelton family, Dungannon who sold for 3,100gns to Raymond Pedlow. This December 2021 heifer is homebred out of Ranfurly Kinker and Ranfurly Weikel 25th. A terrific example of a promising breeding female.

Drumagarner Nan

Eamon McCloskey sold Drumagarner Nan for 3,500gns to Bryan Paul, the Dermotstown Delboy daughter displayed power and eye-catching presence in the ring.

The sale also attracted consignments from a number of leading herds including Kilbride Farm, Robson family; Nevin Smith, Edenbann; Lummin, Thompson family; Lurgill, Ann and Alan Kennedy; and Pointfarms, Matthew Cunning.

The quality of these entries was reflected by reaching some of the top prices of the evening. Heifers from the Edenbann herd of Nevin Smith, Garvagh, reached 2,900gns with Edenbann Marigold selling to Paul O’Kane. Also, Edenbann Melody made 2,500gns and Edenbann Miriam selling for 2,200gns both returning with Raymond Pedlow. All heifers are scanned in calf, with Edenbann Marigold and Edenbann Melody to Popes Jasper and Edenbann Miriam to a homebred Edenbann Lyle.

Similarly, Kilbride Farm Laura 48N, sold for 2,800gns to David Pedlow and Kilbride Farm Laura 49N sold for 2,700gns. Both heifers are bred from homebred sires, Kilbride Farm Jetstream and Kilbride Farm Gruffalo (P) respectively, and have particularly favourable figures for calving ease and gestation length.

Commercial females also sold well and were highly sought after with lots reaching top prices of £2,100 from Eamon McCloskey. Nevin Smith was also successful, making £1,950 and another entry from Eamon McCloskey making £1,900. Other strong commercial entries from David McElmurray, Gareth Bryson and Philip Woods made on average £2.65/kg, £2.71/kg and £2.77/kg respectively.

BACKMUIR SIMMENTAL WINS SENIOR INTERBREED AT STARS OF THE FUTURE CALF SHOW!

BACKMUIR SIMMENTAL WINS SENIOR INTERBREED AT STARS OF THE FUTURE CALF SHOW!

• Annick Lucia’s Nicosia wins Simmental Senior Championship and Overall Senior Interbreed
• Islavale Peaches wins Simmental Junior Championship
• Finlay Soutter wins Senior Young Handler Championship


It’s a massive well done to Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire, who won the Simmental Overall Senior Championship before going on to win the Overall Senior Interbreed with their heifer calf Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P) at the high-profile Stars of the Future Calf Show held at United Auctions, Stirling on Saturday 11th November.

Annick Lucia’s Nicosia Overall Senior Interbreed & Simmental Senior Champion

September 2022 born, Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P) is the first calf out of Annick Ginger’s Lucia who was purchased for 16,000gns last year at the Annick Herd Dispersal Sale and who won the Overall Simmental Championship at this year’s Royal Highland Show with Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P), at foot. Annick Lucia’s Nicosia is sired by the heterozygous polled bull Kilbride Farm Karl (P).

Having been awarded the Simmental Senior Female and Overall Senior Championship by the judge Neil McIlwaine of the Corrick herd, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone, Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P) then ‘doubled-up’ the Championship titles when getting the Senior Interbreed Championship nod from the judge Teresa Wilson, the well-known Chief Cattle Steward at the Royal Welsh Show. It was another top showing day for the Backmuir herd who in addition to their Overall Senior Championship and Overall Senior Interbreed titles, also went on to win Reserve Junior Female; Reserve Junior Overall; and Junior Male Champion.

Commenting on his Senior Female Champion the judge Neil McIlwaine said: “This was a beautifully balanced heifer and just full of breed character. She had tremendous length and width, with a great top, and correctness right through her. A really sweet heifer, she exemplified all the traits you would look for in the Simmental breed.”

Islavale Peaches Junior Simmental Female and Overall Junior Champion

With the Simmental Championships split into two sections, the Junior Simmental Female and Overall Junior Champion came in the shape of Islavale Peaches, from the prolific Islavale herd of Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. Entirely homebred, this April 2023 born calf is by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93 and is out of Islavale Honeypot VG 86, the mother of the 10,000gns Islavale Lord. Islavale Peaches now heads to the Simmental Next Generation III Sale of Females & Weaned Calves at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday 1st December. Strong supporters of Stars of the Future, this is the second year in a row that Islavale have won the Simmental Junior and Junior Female Championships at this event.

Of his Junior Female Champion, Neil McIlwaine said: “Another tremendous Simmental heifer and one of the youngest on the day. Again she had super length and conformation, moved out extremely well, and was very stylish. Certainly a young heifer with a big future ahead of her.” Speaking generally of the day, Neil went on to say: “I was delighted to judge at Stars of the Future and it was a super show of Simmentals giving a tremendous representation of the breed. There was a consistency throughout the classes which is a great credit to the exhibitors.”

Delfur Nifty Reserve Senior Female

Back in the Simmental Senior Females, the Reserve Senior Female came in the shape of the November 2022 born Delfur Nifty from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. At the end of October, this heifer calf had won the Simmental Championship at the Simmental Youngstock Show held within the Borderway Agri Expo at Carlisle. Delfur Nifty is by Ballymoney Larry, a Saltire Impressive son, and is out of Delfur Joyful, an Islavale Cassius daughter. Another Ballymoney Larry daughter, Delfur Weigela N12, who was Reserve Overall to Nifty at Carlisle, won Class Four at Stars of the Future.

Islavale Novak Senior Male Champion

Winning the Senior Male Championship was Islavale Novak and another from the Stronach family. October 2022 born, Novak is by Coose Lincoln and is out of the young cow Islavale Jazz. At the recent Stirling Bull Sale the Islavale herd sold the first Coose Lincoln sons at sale to a top of 13,000gns, 12,000gns, and 11,000gns respectively. Islavale Novak will now be provisionally aimed at the February 2024 Stirling Bull Sale.

Chestermann Neymar Senior Male Reserve Champion

Taking the Senior Male Reserve Championship was the entirely homebred Chestermann Neymar from N&N Gwynne, Castlewigg Farm, Newton Stewart. Winner of the day’s opening class, the July 2022 born Chestermann Neymar is sired by Chestermann Gibble, a Lisglass Domino son, and is out of Chestermann Ringleader Tracey 10 EX91. Chestermann Neymar is another young bull provisionally heading to Stirling in February next year.

Backmuir Ginger’s Paprika Reserve Junior Female and Reserve Overall Junior Champion

The Reserve Junior Female and Reserve Overall Junior Champion was another from the Backmuir herd and this time Backmuir Ginger’s Paprika (P). February 2023 born this calf is out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger who was purchased with her then calf at foot for 23,000gns at the aforementioned Annick Herd Dispersal Sale, a breed record for a cow and calf unit. Backmuir Ginger’s Paprika (P) is another by Kilbride Farm Karl (P), the same sire as the herd’s Overall Senior Interbreed Champion. Rounding off the Backmuir herds’ day was the bull calf Backmuir Pegasus who won Class Six before going on to take the Junior Male Championship. Another calf just full of breeding behind him, Backmuir Pegasus is an AI calf got by the well-known Atlow Dixon 12 EX91, and is out of Brandane Lu Lu who the Simmers purchased for a centre breed record price of 18,000gns at the Next Generation II Sale held last December in Carlisle.

Backmuir Pegasus Junior Male Champion

The Reserve Junior Male title went to the January 2023 born Overhill House Patrick from Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian and with this calf initially placing second in his class to Backmuir Pegasus. Overhill House Patrick is by Corskie Lambe 20, a Kilbride Farm Haka son, and is out of Overhill House Italia, a Curaheen Drifter (P) daughter.

Overhill House Patrick Reserve Junior Male

Adding to what’s been quite a stellar year for him to date, Finlay Soutter, Yew Tree Farm, Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire won the Stars of the Future Senior Young Handler Championship and whilst showing a Simmental heifer from the Blackford herd of Anne MacPherson, Croy, Inverness, which Finlay had helped to halter break on-farm. This latest win follows on from high profile Young Handler Championships secured earlier in the year at both the Royal Norfolk and Royal Welsh Shows respectively. Finlay also enjoyed multiple summer wins with his heifer Brandane Millie including the Simmental Breed Championship at the Royal Welsh and where he also placed Overall Reserve Supreme in the Individual Interbreed.

Teresa Wilson with Senior Young Handler Champion, Finlay Soutter

SIMMENTAL CLASS RESULTS & CHAMPIONSHIPS AT 2023 STARS OF THE FUTURE CALF SHOW
Judge: Neil McIlwaine, Corrick Simmental Herd, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone.

Class 1 – Senior Males born on or between 15 July & 7 October 2022
1st – Lot 359: N & N Gwynne – CHESTERMANN NEYMAR – s. Chestermann Gibble
2nd – Lot 360: J C Mclaren & Partners – DARGILL NEIL (P) – s. Corskie Journal (PP)
3rd – Lot 363: J C Mclaren & Partners – DARGILL NAPLES (P) – s. Highcross Larry (PP)

Class 2 – Senior Males born on or between 26 October & 17 November 2022
1st – Lot 365: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE NOVAK – s. Coose Lincoln
2nd – Lot 369: J & E Dyet – MERKLAND NELSON – s. Merkland Infinity

Class 3 – Senior Females born on or between 3 July to 12 September 2022
1st – Lot 374: Reece & Andrew Simmers – ANNICK LUCIA’S NICOSIA (P) – s. Kilbride Farm Karl (P)
2nd – Lot 373: W G Macpherson (A Firm) – BLACKFORD NADIA – s. Glenturk Legend
3rd – Lot 375: Frank Gwynne – CASTLEWIGG RINGLEADER GIRLIE – s. Blackford Ringleader
4th – Lot 370: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD NEXT GENERATION – s. Islavale Jabba
Class 4 – Senior Females born on or between 1 October to 5 November 2022
1st – Lot 379: Delfur Farms – DELFUR WEIGELA N12 – s. Ballymoney Larry
2nd – Lot 380: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE ASHLEY 9 – s. Coose Lincoln
3rd – Lot 376: Andrew J Wilson – CHESTERMANN EMPIRE NONNE 4 – s. Sterling Empire
4th – Lot 378: Andrew J Wilson – CAIRNVIEW REA 8 (P) – s. Slievenagh International (PP)

Class 5 – Senior Females born on or between 7 November to 25 December 2022
1st – Lot 384: Delfur Farms – DELFUR NIFTY – s. Ballymoney Larry
2nd – Lot 387: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR NAUGHTY SPICE – s. Backmuir King
3rd – Lot 388: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR VIVA’S NUTCRACKER – s. Skerrington Gambler

Senior Male Champion
Lot 365: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE NOVAK – s. Coose Lincoln

Reserve Senior Male Champion
Lot 359: N & N Gwynne – CHESTERMANN NEYMAR – s. Chestermann Gibble

Senior Female Champion
Lot 374: Reece & Andrew Simmers – ANNICK LUCIA’S NICOSIA (P)– s. Kilbride Farm Karl

Reserve Senior Female Champion
Lot 384: Delfur Farms – DELFUR NIFTY – s. Ballymoney Larry

Senior Overall Champion
Lot 374: Reece & Andrew Simmers – ANNICK LUCIA’S NICOSIA (P) – s. Kilbride Farm Karl

Reserve Overall Champion
Lot 365: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE NOVAK – s. Coose Lincoln

Class 6 – Junior Males born on or between 22 January & 26 March 2023
1st – Lot 390: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR PEGASUS – s. Atlow Dixon
2nd – Lot 391: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE PATRICK – s. Corskie Lambe
3rd – Lot 393: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE PRESIDENT – s. Curaheen Giant

394 Coltfield Principal

Class 7 – Junior Males born on or between 1 April & 29 May 2023
1st – Lot 394: Cameron MacIver – COLTFIELD PRINCIPAL – s. Wolfstar Loose Cannon
2nd – Lot 398: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD PRIME – s. Islavale Jabba

Class 8 – Junior Females born on or between 24 January & 21 March 2023
1st – Lot 401: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR GINGER’S PAPRIKA (P) – s. Kilbride Farm Karl (P)
2nd – Lot 404: Cameron MacIver – COLTFIELD PANDORA – s. Wolfstar Loose Cannon
3rd – Lot 400: Frank Gwynne – CASTLEWIGG EMPIRE STELLA 3 – s. Sterling Empire
4th – Lot 399: Dean Saunders – MAIDENLANDS POLARINE 4 P – s. Derrycallaghan Kingkong

Class 9 – Junior Females born on or between 5 April & 15 June 2023
1st – Lot 407: Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE PEACHES – s. Islavale Lucifer
2nd – Lot 406: J C Maclean & Partners – DARGILL P-NUT (P) – Highcross Larry (PP)
3rd – Lot 408: J & E Dyet – MERKLAND PETULA – s. Merkland Jimmy

Junior Male Champion
Lot 390 – Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR PEGASUS – s. Atlow Dixon

Reserve Junior Male Champion
Lot 391 – Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE PATRICK – s. Corskie Lambe

Junior Female Champion
Lot 407 – Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE PEACHES – s. Islavale Lucifer

Reserve Junior Female Champion
Lot 401: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR GINGER’S PAPRIKA (P) – s. Kilbride Farm Karl (P)

Junior Overall Champion
Lot 407- Mr W S Stronach – ISLAVALE PEACHES – s. Islavale Lucifer

Reserve Overall Champion
Lot 401 – Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR GINGER’S PAPRIKA (P) – s. Kilbride Farm Karl (P)

SIMMENTALS TOPPING SALES AT 35 MARKETS AROUND THE UK!

SIMMENTALS TOPPING SALES AT 35 MARKETS AROUND THE UK!

SIMMENTALS TOPPING SALES & SECTIONS AT: STIRLING; EXETER; RUGBY; MARKET DRAYTON; LERWICK; TIREE; ABERDEEN; LANCASTER; LONGTOWN; GISBURN; CARLISLE; TRURO; OBAN; HOLMFIRTH; BROCKHOLES; HALLWORTHY; MELTON MOWBRAY; LANARK; QUOYBRAE; BENTHAM; HUNTLY; AYR; OSWESTRY; FROME; LOCHMADDY; DUMFRIES; DARLINGTON; SEDGEMOOR; BAKEWELL; DALMALLY; DUNGANNON; THIRSK; LLANDOVERY; HOLSWORTHY; AND WOOLER.

In what is a massive endorsement of British Simmental’s commercial abilities, recent data from AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations has confirmed that on average, calves by a Simmental sire finish 36 days earlier than those by continental sires and 46 days earlier than calves by native sires; Simmental sired calves can cost £72 less to finish; and that fast finishing equates to 5.4kg less CO2 equivalents. The data also highlights the advantages of Simmental females with continental sired calves out of Simmental dams finishing 29 days earlier than the average of all suckler dams! The Simmental breeds benchmark remains their milk, fertility, calving ease, and abilities to rear a fast-growing calf without creep feeding. It’s a package of efficiency and economics and commercial producers are recognising that Simmental genetics gives you more.

See here the latest bumper set of sales and sections topped by Simmental cattle in October:
Caledonian Marts Ltd, Stirling, had forward 413 Store Cattle at their fortnightly sale on 30th October. Bullocks averaged 279ppkg selling to 384ppkg for a pen of Simmentals from R Kenny, Robertsonlane. Heifers averaged 243ppkg selling to 318ppkg for a pen of Simmentals again from Robertsonlane.

In a sale of prime cattle at Exeter on 30th October, prime steers realised to £1595 (666kg x 240ppk) for a Simmental from Graham Tancock in from Broadclyst whilst further Simmental bullocks were close when making £1582 (610kg x 260ppk) for Michael Tooze of Brixham.

At Rugby Farmers Mart’s weekly sale on 30th October, top price in the steers went to PC & RA Nichols & Son for a Simmental at £2195.

In a sale of 655 rearing calves at Market Drayton on 30th October, Simmentals topped the all-breeds average for bull calves when levelling out at £363.

United Auctions Stirling sold 456 beef breeding cattle on 28th October. Leading the bulling heifers was SimxLuings from Allanton at £2400, and £2050. Cows with bull calves at foot reached £1950 for a Sim from Briarlands, with cows with heifer calves at foot reaching £2700 for a Sim from Lochlane.

At Tiree, United Auctions sold 715 suckled calves and store cattle and 68 breeding cattle on 28th October. Heifers sold to £1300 and including a pen of three 597kg Simmentals from D A Macarthur, Middleton to average £803.59 (+£104.45).

At Lerwick, Shetland Livestock Marketing Group in conjunction with Aberdeen and Northern Marts on 27th of October 2022 sold 492 Weaned Calves, Store Catle, Breeding and Cast Cows at their Annual Special Sale. “The biggest entry of cattle through the marts in many years seen 492 sell to levels not witnessed in Shetland before. Cast cows sold to a top of £1780 for a 938kg Simmental from Messrs Nicholson, Gilbraes.

On 27th October at Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 1,001 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Weaned Calves. Top gross of the day went to the Stronach family Berryleys for a pen of 3 Simmental heifers scaling 614kg which fetched £2,020 followed by £2,000 twice for a pen of 4 Simmentals weighing 664kg and another pair of Simmentals scaling 624kg all consigned from Berryleys. Bulls sold to 287.9p per kg for a 396kg Simmental cross from South Auquhorthies, Oldmeldrum and £1,600 gross for a pair of 636kg Simmentals from Drumsleed, Fordoun.

In a sale of 360 weanlings at Ballymena on 27th October, heifers sold to £1210 for a 400kg Sim offered by P McConnell, Ligoniel.
Lancaster’s sale of calves and weanlings on 27th October, saw Simmental crosses from FP&G Slater sold at £570 to top the steer calves.

In a small sale of prime cattle at Aberdeen & Northern Marts Thainstone on 26th October, Under 30 Month – Prime Bullocks sold to £1911 gross for a 780kg Simmental cross from Turfhillock, Drummuir. Prime Heifers sold to £1855.65 gross for a 695kg Simmental cross from Tewel Farm, Stonehaven. On the same day a sale of feeding bullocks averaged £1710 and sold to £2130 for a 1030kg Simmental cross from Longmuir, Mintlaw Station.

At Longtown market on 26th October, a much larger show of cast cows was forward, with 70% of the sale consisting of hill cows. The sale topped at £1,260 for a Simmental from JA & E Dinwoodie, Archerbeck, Canonbie.

In a sale of cast cattle at Gisburn on 26th October, beef bred cows saw highs of 193ppk for a Simmental from Ian & Rachel Pratt, Hebden bridge.

Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 501 Head of Adult Breeding Cattle at Thainstone on 25th October at their Annual show & sale of spring calving heifers sponsored by Agrimin and judged by Stephen & Raymond Martyn, Wester Bleaton. Champion pair or pen of three heifers went to a pair of Simmental Crosses from Gordon Dow, Upper Sauchen selling for £2900. Cow with Bull Calf at foot sold to £1880 for a Simmental Cross from North Chapelhouse, Old Meldrum.

On 25th October Harrison and Hetherington Ltd held their weekly sale of 560 store cattle at Carlisle. Heifers sold to £1860 for a Simmental x from Messrs Robinson, Rowell, Milnthorpe.

The third prize sale of suckled calves held at Truro on 25th October saw a tremendous trade. Heifers aged 8-12 months were topped at £880 by Simmental x’s from K Thomas, Helston.

At Oban on 24th October, United Auctions sold 201 breeding type Heifer Calves & 139 Adult Breeding Cattle. Heifers sold to £1100 for a pair of SimX from Ardencaple Farms, Clachan Seil to average £688.67 (+£38.73). In the Breeding section, in calf heifers sold to £2300 for SimX from Iris MacColl, Mid Farm.

In a sale of store cattle at Holmfirth on 24th October, the top price steer was a Simmental at £1145 from RD Newman sold to JB Eastwood & Sons.

On Tuesday 24th October at Brockholes Arms sale of store cattle, the heifer trade peaked at £1380 for Simmentals from J Aspinall & Son at eighteen months old.

A quality entry for Hallworthy’s second catalogued Suckled Calf sale on 24th October, saw over 500 passing through the ring and what a trade! Steer Calves topped at a grand £1250 for some outstanding Simmentals in from Jim Buckland of St Buryan who sold more to £1130.

In a sale of prime cows, stock bulls, and OTM cattle at Melton Mowbray on 24th October, a massive yarding of cows and OTM saw Simmentals lead the way and to 254.5p/kg from CJG Clarke.

On 23rd October, Lawrie and Symington Ltd, at Lanark market, had forward 232 cattle comprising of 52 bullocks and heifers, 121 cast cows and 59 calves and stirks. Beef cows sold to £1610 for a Simmental from Messrs Wainwright, Todhall Farm, Cupar.

At Quoybrae on 23rd October, Aberdeen & Northern Marts had a sale of weaned calves & store cattle, and Breeding Cattle. Store bullocks sold to £1,390 gross for a 484kg Simmental cross from Cruithni. Store heifers sold to 283.8p for a 458kg Simmental Cross and £1,480 gross for a 523kg Simmental cross from Cruthni, Tofts.

In a sale of 666 rearing calves at Market Drayton on 23rd October, Simmentals led the averages for heifers levelling out at £205.36.
At Bentham markets suckled calf sale on 20th October, Fishwick Farms once again produced a wonderful run of mainly Simmental steers which were very well followed, topping at £1140 with bulls to £1200 with an overall average of £1068 achieved (+£197 on the year), and to feature in the top end prices.

Exeter’s sale of 792 store cattle, suckled calves, and stirks on 19th October saw Simmentals top both the bullocks and the heifers in the sale of 500 stores. Steers topped at £1590 given for a pen of four well grown Simmentals from John and Emily Northam of Wellington. The heifer section saw the Shervington family, Hittisleigh back and selling their outstanding Simmental cattle with heifers (26m) realising £1480 and £1420 with others (22m) making £1360 for John and Emily Northam.

On 19th October, United Auctions, Huntly sold 301 store cattle and OTM’S. Top gross in the bullocks was £1770 for a 725kg SimX from The Knowes, Deskford. Heifers sold to average 274.8p per kg selling to a top of 339.5p per kg for a pair of 542kg SimX’s from Law Farm, Insch. Top gross being £1840 for the same animals.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 609 Store Cattle at their sale in Ayr on 19th October. Top Price of the day was 320p for a pen of Simmental bullocks off Howcommon.

In a sale of calves at Oswestry on 19th October, Simmental bulls topped when selling to £320 & £305 from J R James & Son, Church Farm.

On 18th October, United Auctions, Stirling sold 876 store cattle & young bulls. Young bulls topped at £1040 for a Simmental from Glenkiln. 102 rearing cattle were forward at an additional sale on the same day. The sale topped at £825 for a SimX bullock from M/s Galbraith, Polliwilline – Campbeltown. Other leading stirk prices were £815×3 for Simms from Blair Castle Est.

On 18th October at Frome and a sale of cull cows, the top price was 173.00ppkg for an 800kg Simmental from CSA Holdings, Trowbridge.

At Lochmaddy on 17th October, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd sold 140 store, breeding and OTM cattle. Heifers averaged 268.4 per kg and sold to 320.0p per kg and £960 gross for a pair of Simmental Crosses from Druim Torrach Croft. OTM Cattle (11) averaged 126.5p per kg and sold to 150.0p per kg and £1,260 gross for a Simmental Cross Cow from Clachan Farm, Lochmaddy.
C&D Auction Marts held their fortnightly Sale of Store Cattle in Dumfries on 16th October. Heifers to £1460 for Simmentals from Torwoodlee and Buckholm Estates.

At Rugby Farmers Mart on 16th October the trade for cows was led by CH Evans & Son with a Simmental at £1771. A further Simmental from the same home made £1658.

In a sale of 653 rearing calves at Market Drayton, Simmentals led the averages in both the bull calf and heifer calf sections. Simmental bull calves averaged £249.37, with Simmental heifer calves averaging £250.67.

Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their weekly sale of cast cattle, store and breeding stock on Monday 16th October 2023. Forward were 382 cattle. Top per kilo of the week was a super Simmental OTM heifer from C Parker, Newsham Grange which reached 236ppk.

In a sale of barren cows on 16th October at Sedgemoor, a cracking red and white climbed to a sale top of £1,356.60 for R Bigwood.

Within Bakewell Market’s weekly sale on 16th October, an offering of 32 breeding cattle was topped by a 16-month-old Simmental bull from Storersmith Simmentals at £1800.

At Sedgemoor’s sale of 405 non-export calves on 14th October, congratulations to KP Silverthorne & Partners, who picked up the first Mastergen Synetics prize for the top price continental bull calf at £425, for a 1m Simmental. Other strong Simmentals to £380 and £328 from P Frost.

On 13th October, United Auctions, Dalmally, United Auctions held their Annual Show & Sale of Suckled Calves at Dalmally. 1059 calves were sold. Heifers sold to 373.2p/kg for a pen of 3 Simmentals from G Bannerman, Old Manse, Balmaha to average 275.7p/kg (+35.82p).

At Lancaster Auction Marts Sale of Calves, OTM and Store Cattle on 13th October, Beef cows sold to 199.5p/kg on two occasions including a Simmental x from T&M Halhead, Priest Hutton. For a further entry of predominantly feeding type cows, top gross was a Simmental x also from T&M Halhead achieving £1442.

Aberdeen & Northern Marts held a sale for a total of 150 Store Cattle forward from Orkney Consignors on 13th October at Thainstone. Heifers Sold to a top of 340.6p per kg for a 458kg Simmental from J W S Logie & Co, Lochend, Westray. Spring Born Bullock Calves Sold to £1,250 gross and 334.2p per kg for a pair of 374kg Simmentals from Millburn Farms, Harray. Spring Born Heifer Calves Sold to £1,010 for 370kg Simmental from Millburn Farms.

Also on 13th October at Thainstone, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 1110 store cattle, young bulls and young & weaned calves including a consignment of West Highland calves. Heifers (252) averaged 280.8p and sold to 340.6p per kg for a 458kg Simmental Cross from Lochend. Bulls sold to £1670 gross for a 640kg Simmental Cross from Ferniebrae, Lonmay.

At Frome’s store cattle sale on 13th October. RC & LJ Rann, IOW, sold their forward Simmental steers to £1535 (25mo) and £1485 to £1522 (all 20mo). Other well-presented Simmental steers equally dear selling at £1525 (20mo) from GW & M Pike & Son of Swanage. Quality non FABBL Simmental steers met a massive trade to £1400 (27mo) from Phil Stevens of Shepton Mallet.

United Auctions, Stirling sold 2035 store cattle & young bulls on 11th October. Heifers (811) sold to £1840 for a 524kg SIMX from Tinnis. Young Bulls (83) sold to £1280 for a SIMX from Kirkton of Mailler.

On 11th October AT Market Drayton, and a sale of 169 clean cattle and young bulls, steers were an absolute flyer and raced away to 310p (£1,882.80) for a Simmental from Mr Bob Yeomans, New Street Lane and who had further Simms to 296p (£1,793.76).

At Dungannon Farmers Mart on 11th October heifers topped at £1910 720kg Sim (266.00), presented by R Carson. Fat Cows sold to a height of £1340 for 795kg Sim presented by M Patterson.

In a sale of cull cows, heifers, and bulls on 11th October at Brockholes Arms Auction Mart, a consignment of Simmentals lead the way from M Noblet with cows peaking at and OTM heifers selling to 210p/kg.

At Truro’s sale of over 350 store cattle and suckled calves on 11th October, steers topped at £1590 for a very smart trio of 19-month-old Simmentals on behalf of Messrs ID & SS Backway of St Eval, Wadebridge. The same vendor also had the top price of £1390 for a Simmental which topped the section of 18-month-old heifers. In the second prize sale of suckled calves, Heifers born after 1st March 2023 were topped by a Simmental from Messrs J & R J Nankervis of Zennor at £870. The same vendor topped the heifers up to seven-months-old with another Simmental x at £770, and in the steers up to seven-months-old took the second top price of £870.

Thirsk held a sale of 105 store heifers and 75 store steers on 10th October. Heifers sold to £1550 for a Simmental X from AJ & JM Appleby, Nether Silton.

In a sale of OTM/barren cows on 10th October at Llandovery, the trade was topped at £1440 for a 730kgs Sim X from TJ&EM Higgins, Penlan.

On Monday 9th October at Lanark, Lawrie and Symington Ltd had forward 155 cattle comprising of 45 bullocks and heifers, 110 cast cows and 29 calves and stirk. Beef cows sold to 236p/pk for a Sim from Messrs Orr, Lawhead Farm, Tarbrax.

At Bakewell on 9th October the offering of breeding cattle was topped by a 14-months-old Simmental bull at £1780 from Renshaw & Brassington, Church Broughton.

At H&H’s sale of prime cattle at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on 9th October, the Simmental trade was topped at £2028 for heifers from Newbie Mains. Messrs Sisson & Sons, Kelbarrow sold the top priced Simmental cow for 914kg, 199.5p, £1823 bought by Frank Smart.

In a sale of breeding cattle at Gisburn on 7th October, cows and calves topped at £2000 for a Simental cow and calf from Peter Howarth. On the same day, Simmental young bulls sold to a top of £1360 for E & M Fairhurst.

On 6th October at Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 1248 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves. Heifers (335) averaged 283.4p and sold to 384.3p per kg for a 484kg Simmental from Myres, South Ronaldsay.

Aberdeen & Northern Marts at Thainstone on 6th October, sold a total of 255 Store Cattle forward from Orkney Consignors. Bullocks Sold to a top of £1,820 (twice) gross for a pair of 616kg Simmental and a 616kg AA from Hilton Farm, Balfour, Shapinsay and to 326.7p per kg for a Pair of Simmentals from P & A Kemp, Hunchaquoy, Swannay. Heifers Sold to a top of £1,860 gross and 384.2p per kg for a 484kg Simmental from A T Annal & Son, Myres, South Ronaldsay.

At Exeter’s sale of 533 store cattle and stirks on 6th October, grand Simmental steers (28m) from Cyril Emmett in from Aylesbeare headed that section when reaching £1650 for a pair whilst another couple (20m) of the same breed eased to £1550 apiece for Douglas Horton and Family of Kingsbridge and younger sorts (17m) from Jason Northcott of Saltash ran to £1440. In the sale of 103 stirks, and asuckled calves, Simmental cross steers (9m) from MA Stephens up from Plymouth topped at £870.

At Frome’s store cattle sale on 6th October, young heifers were topped at £1040 by 16-month-old Simmentals from PJ&PF Samways, Swanage. The same vendor sold 16-month-old Simmental steers to £1278.

In a sale of cast cows and bulls at Aberdeen & Northern Marts Thainstone on 5th October, beef finished Cows (88) averaged £1581.76 and sold to £2090 for a 986kg Simmental from Towiemore, Keith.

At the store cattle sale at Hallworthy on 5th October, ID & SS Backway sold an outstanding run of Simmental x Steers to £1640 to feature in the top prices. Their next four Steers by the Simmental to £1540, with another trio of Simmental x Steers away at £1485 all around the 16-17 months. G & M Williams took the honours in the heifer section with a superb Simmental x Heifer deep bodied and well fleshed to £1400.

At Dungannon Farmers Mart on 4th October, an excellent entry of quality calves saw male calves sell to a top of £1400 for a 375kg Sim (372.00) presented by D Litter.

Holsworthy’s sale of 370 store cattle on 4th October saw another terrific entry. Top call was £1440 for a 18mth single suckled Simmental steer from Mr RE Dennis of Bradworthy who sold three other single suckled Simmentals at £1340 and one at £1320.

At Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 93 Head of Adult Breeding Cattle on 4th October. The annual show & sale of breeding cattle kindly sponsored by James Milne Chartered Accountants, was judged by Robbie & Jamie Adam, Ternemny Farm, Knock, who picked the Simmental Cross Heifer with an Autum born Limousin Heifer calf from E M Smith, Towiemore, Keith as Champion and which sold to £4000 too W J Jack & Sons, Woodend. The reserve champion went again to E M Smith, Towiemore for a Simmental Cross Heifer with an Autum born Limousin Bull calf which sold at £4050 too I D Stewart, Reisgill. The top price of the sale today was £4200 which also went to E M Smith, Towiemore for a Simmental Cross Heifer with an Autum born Limousin Bull calf which was also purchased by I D Stewart, Reisgill.

On 4th October, United Auctions, Stirling sold 1666 store cattle & young bulls. Young Bulls sold to £1750 for a SIMX from Dunolliebeg, and £1750 from Innerwick. OTM bulls sold to £2190 for a Sim from Fernie Mill.
At Melton Mowbray’s sale of stores and breeding cattle on 4th October, 14-month-old Simmental heifers from Emma Long led the store heifer trade when selling to £1385.

Wooler Mart held their annual Show & Sale of Store Cattle and Autumn born cattle, competing for The Bobby Robinson and The Spence Cowans Trophy, on 3rd October. Topping the day’s trading was Duncan J Ord, Chatton Park with a thumping Sim.x Steer at £1840.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 199 Calves and Stirks at their weekly sale on 3rd October at Ayr. Bullock stirks sold to a top of £1060 for a Simmental Cross off Messrs Miller, Baidlandhill. In-calf cows sold to a top of £1550 for a Simmental from Roddinghead.

On Monday 2nd October at Rugby Farmers Mart’s weekly sale, the trade for bulls was topped at £2290 for a 954kg Simmental from CH Evans & Son.

Within Bakewell Market’s weekly sale on 2nd October, the OTM bulls were led by a 4-year-old Simmental bull at £2380 from BD&JH Ponsonby, Tideswell Moor.