by Nicky Moreton | May 14, 2024 | 2024 News, 2024 Market Briefs, 2024
SALISBURY; RUGBY; THAINSTONE; FROME; EXETER; HALLWORTHY; THIRSK; BENTHAM; PRESTON; SEDGEMOOR; HOLMFIRTH; CARLISLE; LOCKERBIE; BALLYMENA; LANARK; CASTLE DOUGLAS; HUNTLY; LUDLOW; CROOKLANDS; ST BOSWELL; GISBURN; MELTON MOWBRAY; DUNGANNON; DINGWALL; TRURO; AYR; SHREWSBURY; DUMFRIES; QUOYBRAE; DARLINGTON; WHITLAND; MARKET DRAYTON; SKIPTON; AND MONMOUTHSHIRE
Hard-working Simmental sired cattle continuing to do the business in store, prime, breeding, and calf sales around the UK. Where they are not Simmental sired, many other sale top prices are out of Simmental females! Simmental genetics continuing to add value, flexibility, efficiency, and profitability for commercial producers.
See here the first of three parts covering Simmental sale toppers, and starting with April 1st – 11th:
At Hallworthy on 11th April, breeding cattle were led by a two-year-old Simmental Bull from the Grose Family of Manaccan sell to £2000, and away to work on a Dairy farm.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts at Thainstone on 11th April sold 151 cows and bulls. Beef Feeding Cows (77) averaged £1297.59 and sold to £1770 for a 726kg Simmental from Dundurcas Farm, Rothes.
At Dungannon Farmers Mart on 10th April, suckled cows and calves sold to £1660 for a Simm Cow with a Char Bull Calf at foot presented by a Dungannon Producer.
On 10th April United Auctions sold 1916 store cattle & young bulls at Stirling. Young Bulls (47) averaged 263.23p to 299.30p per kg for a 294kg SIMX from South Glen.
Frome’s sale of UTM heifers on 10th April was topped by Simmental x heifers from Padfield & Partners at 254p/kg.
Skipton’s store sale on 10th April saw the heifer section topped at £1700 by Simmentals from CA Foster.
At a sale at Monmouthshire Market on 10th April, an eight year old Simm cow & her BBX heifer calf (7m) from Halomark Ltd, Cwmbran sold for £1880.
At a sale of store cattle at Market Drayton on 10th April, yarding cattle ‘continue to sell like hot cakes’. Simmental from The Brighouse Family, Morley Green, topped the steers at £1580.
At Ayr on 9th April, Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 95 Calves and Stirks at their weekly sale. The offering of stirks forward sold to £890 for a Simmental Cross Heifer off Messrs Mullin, Greenhead and with bullocks topping at £820 for a Simmental Cross off the same.
Decent numbers of prime and cull cattle at Exeter on 8th April, saw finished steers from Dan Tooze of Broadsands head the heavyweight steer section with a well fed 638kg Simmental reaching 268ppk and £1706. Prime heifers (all heavyweights) were topped at 260ppk for a Simmental from Douglas Horton and Family up from Kingsbridge which returned £1515.
In a sale of store cattle at Brockholes Arms Auction Mart on 9th April, top spot in the steer section went to J & A Heap & Son with Simx to £1,480.
In a sale of 320 store cattle at Ballymena on 9th April, bullocks sold to £1800 for a 640kg Simm from Barry Arthurs, Kircubbin.
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their weekly sale of cast cattle, store and breeding stock on Monday 8th April 2024. Forward were 325. A nice show of young bulls saw the top six sell over £1500. Three super 10-month-old Simmentals from E Parsons, Newstead Farm vied for the top price when making £1580, and £1560 x 2.
At Huntly on 6th April, United Auctions sold 1639 cattle at their Show & Sale. OTMS sold to average 191.8p per kg selling to £1900 for SimX from Moyes Farm, Glassel.
In a sale of store cattle at Gisburn on 6th April, 83 feeding bulls through the ring saw a strong trade right through. Topping the trade at £1600 was Bev Lancaster & Family with a homebred Simental x.
On 4th April at Whitland Mart, and a sale of suckler cows, in calvers, and bulls, in-calf heifers & cows sold to £1,800×3 (Sim) from Colledge, Llanfallteg, also, £1,750 (Sim) & £1,700×4 (Sim), £1,550 (Sim), £1,520×3 (Sim).
At Hallworthy on 4th April and a sale of Stirks and Weaned Calves at the ‘Cornish Stirk Centre’, the re was a ‘phenomenal trade.’ A J Hart of St Austell sold two remarkable Simmental Steers which made £910 (only 5 months old!), with a single steer to £870 (5m).
In a sale of prime cattle on 3rd April at Frome, UTM heifers were led by a well finished R grade Simmental heifer at 257p/kg and £1949 from LJ Curry.
In a sale at Holsworthy on 3rd April, finished cattle were topped at 228p for a light weight 508kg Simmental heifer from Mr WM Bridgman, Jacobstow realising £1158.
At Ayr on 2nd April, Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 102 Calves and Stirks. The top price calf was £640 for a Simmental Cross Heifer off Kaimhill Farming.
At H&H’s Borderway Primestock Sale at Carlisle on 1st April, Simmentals sold to £2594.48 for 887kgs from Messrs Dyet, East Merkland, Strathaven to feature in the top prices. The same home also sold 819kgs to £2305,49.
C & D Auction Marts held their fortnightly sale of 619 Store Cattle in Dumfries on Monday 1st April 2024, along with the spring sale of organics. 187 Organic Cattle created plenty of interest, a good ringside of buyers actively sought cattle which comprised of mainly yearlings. Organic Heifers per head were topped by a Simm at £1510 from Marshill.
Pics from Simmental library
by Nicky Moreton | May 14, 2024 | 2024 News, 2024
Heifer with Bull Calf (101) sell to £4300 for a Simmental Cross with Limousin Cross calf from Towiemore, Keith.
77 Towiemore heifers average £3551, up by +£26 on the year
Typical entries to the sale from Towiemore
Cow with Bull Calf sell to £3000 for a Simmental with a Simmental Calf from Wellhouse Farm, Beauly.
At Thainstone yesterday, Wednesday 8th May,
ANM Group Ltd sold 222 head of adult breeding cattle. Simmental females again dominated the catalogue and an increasing demand from new and existing customers, across Scotland, north and south, ensured a big trade and increased averages. A big number of Simmental females sold in excess of £4000 and over the £3500 mark.
A big shout out goes to all of the Simmental vendors, and including again the Smith family at
Towiemore Livestock Towiemore Farm, Keith, Banffshire who sold 77 heifers with calves at foot, nearly all Simmental, to average an incredible £3551, up by +£26 on a strong trade last year! Across the sale “a great show of well-bred strong heifers with calves” averaged £3497 up £52 on the year.
Typical entries to the sale from Towiemore
Heifer with Bull Calf: SimX – Towiemore £4150, £4000, £3950, £3700 Pitgersie £4100, £3700, Wester Bleaton £4050, £4000, £3950 (X2), £3900, £3850; Sim – Towiemore £4150, £4050 (X2), £4000 (X2), £3950, Wester Bleaton £3850, £3700, £3400,
Well House Simmentals £3850, £3500, £3400 (X2), Pitgersie £3750;
Heifer with Heifer Calf: SimX – Pitgersie £4200, Towiemore £4050 (X3), £3950, £3800, £3750,Wester Bleaton £3950 (X2), £3900, £3750 (X2), £3700 (X2), Pitgersie £3400 (X2), £3350 (X3), The Bungalow £3200; Sim – Towiemore £4050, £3850, £3700, £3600, Wellhouse £4050, £4000, £3750, £3700 Wester Bleaton £3850, £3550, £3400 (X2)
This latest sale followed on from the previous week at Thainstone where, in a further sale of adult breeding cattle, Simmental heifers with calves at foot sold to £3,950, with others at £3,850, three at £3,750, and many at £3500 and over.
Commercial producers continue to recognise the tremendous job Simmental females make of their calves. Making long lasting cows, they are full of milk, cross with any breed, produce easy fleshing quality calves that go on to weigh well, and are suited to all geographies and farms around the UK.
by Nicky Moreton | May 13, 2024 | 2024 North East News, 2024 North West News, 2024 News, 2024 Carlisle Sales, 2024
- 19 bulls sell to a clearance rate of 73%, and average £4,603
- 36 Simm X High Health heifers average £2021
- 57 lots sell in Simmental section to gross £165,988
- Bulls sell to Orkney, and down to Hampshire
- Popes Picasso 23 lifts Overall Simmental Championship
Grangewood New Hope 22 from Andrew & Yvonne Leedham, Rowan Farm, Pickering, North Yorkshire sold for 7,200gns to lead a solid Simmental Sale at H&H’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Saturday, 11th May.
Grangewood New Hope 7,200gns
August 2022 born, Grangewood New Hope is by the herd sire Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17 (ET), and is out of the Dinton Nautical daughter Grangewood Jackie. Combining length and muscle with top figures, this bull was +10 for Maternal Milk, and with breed top 5% and 10% Terminal Production and Self Replacing Indexes. Purchasing this bull, who had stood second in his class to the Reserve Overall Champion, was JC Innes & Sons who run the Strathbogie herd, along with a suckler herd of some 800 cows, at Dunscroft Farm, Huntly Aberdeenshire.
In a good day’s trading the Leedhams sold three bulls with a depth of pedigree and performance figures, all sired by Ranfurly Impeccable who was purchased for 8500gns at Stirling in 2018, to make 7,200gns; 5,000gns; and 4,000gns respectively.
Across the sale 19 bulls sold to average £4,603, with 36 Simm X High Health bulling heifers averaging £2021, and a small entry of pedigree heifers topping at 3,000gns. 57 lots sold in all to gross £165,988. Commenting on the sale, BSCS General Manager Iain Kerr said “We’re seeing a strong and increasing demand for Simmental genetics, bulls and females, from commercial producers across the UK and this is being reflected at the Society’s pedigree sales. This sale fixture at Carlisle continues to grow and we’re really pleased to see 19 bulls sell across the UK, up by seven on the year, and to buyers from Orkney right down to Hampshire. The addition of the Simm X High Health heifers for the second year is proving to be popular and met with an increased average which is great to see.”
Popes Picasso 7,000gns
Selling at 7,000gns was Popes Picasso 23 from the well-known pedigree herd of Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston. This bull, a heifer’s calf, is the first offered at sale by the €52,000 Euro Clonagh Lucky Explorer, and is out of Popes Princess Kiki, a daughter of the herd’s renowned show cow Popes Princess Cleo. Again, a bull with good growth figures, and +12 for Maternal (Milk), this ‘stylish young bull with length and shape’ was bought by local commercial producer Irving Pearson, for his 120 cow suckler herd of mainly pure Simmental, and Blue cross Simmental cows, at Manor Farm, Blencow, Penrith. Earlier in the day Popes Picasso 23 had been placed Overall Supreme Champion in the pre-sale show judged by Bruce Lambie of the noted Fallhills herd at Penicuik, Midlothian. Commenting on his Champion Bruce Lambie said “This was a tremendous young Simmental bull, with all of the potential to be a fantastic stock sire in both pedigree or commercial herd. He was a very modern type, clean through the middle, very correct on good feet and legs, and had a great top line. A very worthy Champion who I’m sure will go on and do well.”
Auchorachan Newbie 6,000gns
Jim and Patricia Goldie who run the Newbiemains herd at Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire purchased to bulls on the day at 6,000gns and 5,000gns. The first of these at 6000gns was Auchorachan Newbie 22 from D&R Durno & Sons, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Sired by the 9,000gns Greencap Kane 19 EX91, this September 2022 born bull is out of Auchorachan Gipsy EX 92 who has previously bred bulls to 9,000gns twice. With figures to go with the breeding, Auchorachan Newbie 22 is in the breed’s top 1% for both Terminal Sire, and Self Replacing Indexes. Another Greencap Kane son, Auchorachan Ninja 22, a first prize winner, made 4,000gns when selling to TJ & MB Smithson, Poplar Farm, Stamford Bridge, North Yorkshire.
Grangewood Paddington 5,000gns
Selling at 5,000gns, the Goldies also purchased another from the Leedham family’s pen in the shape of the January 2023 born Grangewood Paddington (TM). Another by Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17 (ET), this calf is out of Grangewood Tollie’s Hope EX 93, a full sister to the 19,000gns Grangewood Baron, and whose sons have averaged 7,250gns to date. A theme of the day was bulls selling well with a depth of pedigree and performance figures, and Grangewood Paddington (TM) continued this trend with him carrying a +11 figure for Maternal (Milk).
Commenting afterwards Jim Goldie said of his two purchases: “We came to the sale looking for a bull, and a second if possible, for our pedigree herd that’s now at 150 cows. We had previously purchased a half-brother to Auchorachan Newbie (Auchorachan Kennedy 19) and have been really pleased with how good his progeny are. He’s also from a line of three cows that are all classified EX 92 and that’s a big bonus for us. The Grangewood bull was a lovely standout, stylish bull with good feet and legs, and walked well. Again, his sire is well bred and classified EX94. Two good bulls and we are pleased to have bought them.”
Newbiemains New Moon 5,000gns
Recouping some of their outlay, the Goldies themselves sold Newbiemains New Moon 22 for 5,000gns to DF Crew, Gall Farm, Lockerbie. In the pre-sale show this upstanding July 2022 born bull had placed first in his class and was Overall Reserve Champion. Sired by Carbery Lightening EX 91, Newbiemains New Moon 22 is out of Newbiemains Eclypse EX 90. Later in the sale Newbiemains Nailer 22, a Skerrington Iceman 17 EX 95 son was sold for 4000gns to Thwaites & Co, Thorney Croft, Newby, Penrith.
Enjoying another solid sale at Carlisle was the Scotland Hill herd of Tom Hill & Ruby Wright, Mill Farm, Wadworth, Doncaster who sold two bulls at the 4,800gns mark. Up first was the September 2022 born Scotland Hill North Star 22. Sired by the imported bull Clonagh King Eyes (ET), and out of Scotland Hill Emily Jilly, this bull went to Hampshire when selling to Clachanton & Poundland Partners, The Estate Office, Stratford Saye. At the same 4,800gns mark was the October 2022 born Scotland Hill Niagra 22. Another son of Clonagh King Eyes (ET), and out of Scotland Hill Westeria Freya, this bull was one of two purchases by well known Orkney buyer Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stromness.
Leading the small offering of pedigree females was the Tilbrook Netty from Peter Burgess, High Keenley Fell Farm, Hexham who made 3,000gns when selling to Derbyshire and the Dovefields pedigree herd of L Renshaw & I Brassington, The Old Myers, Church Broughton. Sired by the AI sire Clonagh Latin Lover, this December 2022 born maiden heifer is out of Tilbrook Honey.
A feature of the sale was the Simm X High Health Sale of bulling heifers that saw 36 sell to average a very healthy £2,020. Leading the way in this section with a pair of Simm Luing heifers at £2,450, and a further pair at £2,400 was Angus Freeman, Town End Farm, Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria. Fourteen to fifteen months old, a selection of these heifers had caught much attention on the Society’s promotional stand at the NBA’s 2024 Beef Expo at North West Auctions Jct 36. The top price heifers at Carlisle on Saturday were purchased by AJ & L Birkett, Birk Howe Farm, Ambleside, Cumbria. Selling at £2300 was a pair of ¾ Simmental X heifers from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire, and which were purchased by Rutter Farm, Burradon Mains, Morpeth. Other same way bred Backmuir heifers sold for £2,250 to the same buyer.
Overall & Male Champions
Judge Bruce Lambie
AVERAGES
19 Bulls £4603.42
2 Heifers £2887.50
36 High Health Heifers £2020.83
by Nicky Moreton | May 7, 2024 | 2024 Stirling Sales, 2024 Scottish News, 2024 North West News, 2024 News, 2024
• £6720 (+£892) sets a new Simmental record average for Stirling May Sale
• 22,000gns a new Simmental record for the May Stirling Sale
• 96% clearance rate with 24 out of 25 bulls selling
Denizes New Orleans, from MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Ulnes, Leyland, sold for 22,000gns, to a commercial buyer, to lead a strong demand for Simmental bulls at the Stirling May Sale held at United Auctions Stirling Agricultural Centre today, Monday 6th May.
Denizes New Orleans 22,000gns
The 22,000gns led the all-breeds trade at this multibreed sale, and set a new Simmental record top price at this May fixture when eclipsing the 16,000gns mark set just last year. Records tumbled on the day with the £6720 average for the bulls sold being a new record Simmental mark for this May fixture, smashing last year’s record figure by £892. 22 out of 25 bulls forward sold in the ring with two further bulls sold post sale to give an overall clearance of 96%.
October 2022 born, Denizes New Orleans, a heifer’s calf and a first prize winner in the pre-sale show, is by the prolific Denizes Hamish and out of the Blackford Galaxy daughter Denizes Melody 39th. Purchasing the top price bull, who carried strong performance figures and a depth of breeding, was commercial producer Alan Wright who runs 70 Simmental females, 15/16ths bred towards pure, in a closed herd at St Mungos Farm, West Lundie, Argaty, Doune. Speaking after the sale Mr Wright said: “This is just a tremendous Simmental bull with the muscle and length that we look for. He’s got a great depth of breeding on both sides of his pedigree and we like Denizes Hamish in himself and the progeny he’s consistently breeding and being brought forward to sale.” Of the 22,000gns price Mr Wright went on to say: “When you see a bull of this quality then you have to try and buy him! If you look at the price of the first ten heifers a bull like this will breed that’s how we look to value him. In 2017 we paid 18,000gns for Manor Park Hayden, and he’s a similar bull to the eye that’s bred really well for us and really retained his muscle. Denizes New Orleans is home, settled in really well, and we’re delighted to have him.”
From their 70 females the Wrights sell bulling heifers privately with bullocks going fat to both ABP and Dunbia. The 22,000gns figure is also believed to be the top price to date for a Simmental bull sold to a commercial producer.
It’s been a remarkable start to the sale year for the prolific Denizes herd who in February sold the Denizes Hamish son, Denizes Nugget, for 37,000gns with five Hamish sons in all grossing £88,200 to average a mighty £17,640. In October this year the Denizes herd will be holding a production sale at Stirling of some 50 head.
Braidwood Nero 8,500gns
Taking the second top price of 8500gns was Braidwood Nero 22 (P) from Ms L J Moffat of Innerwick Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar. In the pre-sale show judged by Jonny Hazelton of the noted Ranfurly herd, Colhannon House, Dungannon, this August 2022 born bull has stood Reserve Overall Champion. Sired by Wolfstar Jimmy Choo and out of the German Promi daughter Braidwood Freckles, this bull went to Douganhill Farms, Palnackie, Castle Douglas. Douganhill Farms run a beef and sheep enterprise, consisting of 200 Spring calving cows plus heifers and 70 autumn calving cows. The cows are a mixture of Limousin X and Simmental X South Devon, with Simmental bulls used breed herd replacements. Commenting on their purchase, David MacTaggart said: “I liked Nero’s, length, power, milk figures, ease of calving and an added bonus is that he is Polled. The plan from here is that Nero will be being going out to cows in June for next year’s spring calving and also again in October for next year’s autumn calving.”
Braegarrie Northern Light 8,000gns
At 8000gns was Braegarrie Northern Light 22 from DL & S Currie, Pinclanty, Pinmore, Girvan. November 2022 born, this bull is sired by Overhill House Link, and is out of Braegarrie Jenna, a Keeldrum Geronimo daughter. Northern Light, who carried good Calving Ease Direct figures, sold to Gartincaber Farms, Auchmar, Drymen.
Islavale Niko 7,000gns
Islavale Norse 6,000gns
Bringing another strong line up of five Simmental bulls to Stirling was the Islavale herd of Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith, Banff. Their leading sale price was the 7000gns paid for the October 2022 born Islavale Niko 22. This calf is sired by Coose Lincoln (ET) EX 90, and is out of Islavale Freda EX 91. With the highest Maternal (Milk) figure in the catalogue of +15, in the breed’s top 1%, Islavale Niko 22 was bought by Mountquhanie Farms, By Cupar, Fife. Other Islavale bulls on the day made 6000gns x2; 5000gns; and 4800gns to gross £30,240 and average £6048. At the 6000gns mark was the pre-sale show Overall Champion Islavale Norse 22, a Shacon Hannibal son who sold to Orkney when being purchased by Vestrafiold Farm Ltd, Vestrafiold House, Sandwick, Orkney.
Jonny Hazelton, judge
Also at the 7000gns mark was the homozygous polled bull Kilbride Farm Nemo 22 (PP) (TM), from WH Robson & Sons, Doagh, Ballyclare. By the imported bull Flop Agrochyt, whose first son at sale sold for 11,000gns in February, Kilbride Farm Nemo 22 (PP) (TM) is out of Kilbride Farm Fanni 71K (PP). With a top 1% Calving Ease Direct figure of +9.2, this bull went to the Borders when selling to T Tennant, Gilmanscleugh, Ettrick, Selkirk.
Kilbride Farm Nemo 7,000gns
Three bulls made 6500gns. The first of these was the stylish Broombrae Norseman N18 22 (P), from Messrs Gordon L Clark, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Fife, who stood second in his class to the Overall Reserve Champion. September 2022 born, this heterozygous polled bull is by the imported Egebjerggards Pesto, and is out of Broombrae Delight J5, a Corskie Elgin J5 daughter. Purchasing this bull was the Firm of Spence, Balgassie Farm, Aberlemno, Forfar. This latest sale followed hard on the heels of February where the Broombrae herd sold a bull for 11,000gns and to an Australian purchaser. The second and final part of the Broombrae Herd Dispersal will be held at Stirling in October.
Broombrae Norseman 6,500gns
Also at the 6500gns mark was Delfur Nemesis 22 from Delfur Farms, Dundurcas Farm House, Aberlour. Sired by Innerwick Ivor 17 and out of Delfur Weigela D101, Nemesis 22 was described as ‘a young bull with great length and style.’ Buying this bull was AJ Stephen, Hatton Cottage, Dallas, Forres, Morayshire.
Delfur Nemesis 6,500gns
A strong sale right to the end, the final 6500gns call came for the last bull in the sale in the shape of Overhill House Patrick 23 from Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian. January 2023 born this bull is by Corskie Lambe 20, and is out of Overhill House Italia. In November last year as a young calf, Overhill House Patrick 23 had stood as Reserve Junior Male Champion at the Stars of the Future Calf Show. Purchasing this bull, who carried a top 5% breed figure of +11 for Maternal (Milk), was Glenure Estate Limited, Glasdrum, Fasnacloich, Appin, Argyll.
Overhill House Patrick 6,500gns
AVERAGES
22 Bulls £6720 (+£892)
OTHER LEADING BULL PRICES INCLUDED:
6,000gns Lot 426 Delfur Nightrider sold to T Walker, Newton of Mountblairy, Eden, Banff
6,000gns Lot 444 Islavale Norse sold to Vestrafiold Farm Ltd, Vestrafiold House, Sandwick, Orkney
6,000gns Lot 445 Islavale Neville 2 sold to R&D Farquar, Tewel Farm, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire
5,500gns Lot 425 Pitgaveny Northstar sold to G & A Milne, Standingstones, Durris, Banchory
5,500gns Lot 430 Islavale Nickel sold to GT & S Coghill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney
5,000gns Lot 416 Boswell Ninja sold to WB & AD Robertson, Balneathill Farm, Kinnesswood, Kinross
5,000gns Lot 418 Tillyeve Noah sold to MJ & C Hutchinson, Falahill Farm, Heriot
5,000gns Lot 450 Colfield Nitro sold to J Pate & Partners, Helmburn, Ettrick Bridge, Selkirk
5,000gns Lot 453 Overhill House Pilot sold to J Pate & Partners, Nettlingflat Farm, Heriot, Midlothian
by Nicky Moreton | May 3, 2024 | 2024 Scottish News, 2024 Aberdeen Sales, 2024 News, 2024
• Simmentals also top the bulling heifer trade at £2280
• Simmental bull to 5200gns
The demand and popularity for Simmental breeding females with commercial beef producers was very much highlighted at Aberdeen and Northern Marts sale of 424 head of adult breeding cattle at Thainstone on 1st May.
Simmental cross heifers sold to a top of £3,950, with others at £3,850, three at £3,750 four at £3,700, and with a tremendous depth in the day, a big number well over the £3000 mark. Simmentals also dominated the trade for bulling heifers to a top of £2280, and in a small sale of bulls a Simmental made 5200gns. Quite a day!
Commenting, Iain Kerr the British Simmental Cattle Society General Manager said: “There’s an ongoing and increasing demand for Simmental breeding females which is great to see. These Simmental heifers go on to make tremendous long lasting cows that are full of milk, cross with any breed, and produce easy fleshing quality calves that go on to weigh well. With an emphasis on added value, efficiency, and profitability, the Simmental female is really hitting the note with commercial breeders.”
In the Annual Show & Sale of Heifers with Calves at Foot sponsored by East Coast Viners and judged by Mr Colin Stuart, Belnoe, the Simmental Society award for the best sired Simmental Heifer and Calf went to The Gordon Family, Lost Farm, Strathdon with the first prize Simmental Heifer with Heifer Calf which sold for £3750 to the Judge. With a tremendous reputation for selling quality Simmental females this was a remarkable third year in a row, amidst a strong entry, that the Gordons have won this award.
A typical entry from the Gordon family, Lost Farm, Strathdon, pictured prior to the sale at Thainstone on Wednesday 1st May.
However the top Simmental price on the day was a terrific £3950 paid for a Simmental heifer with a Limousin bull calf at foot, from Ian Keith, Auchtygall, Peterhead.
Bulling Heifers met a fantastic demand selling to a top of £2280 for a pair of tremendous 19-month-old Simmental Heifers from A D Sutherland & Sons, Connachie, Kellas. Highlight Simmental prices and sale section leaders included:
Heifer with Bull Calf (93) sold to £3950 for a Simmental Cross with a Limousin Cross from Auchtygall, Peterhead.
Bulling Heifer (96) sold to £2280 for a Pair of Simmental Crosses from Connachie, Kellas.
Heifer with Bull Calf: SimX – Auchtygall £3850, £3750, £3700, £3650 ; Ardhuncart £3750, £3700, £3650; South Blachrie £3600, £3500, £3450; The Bungalow, New Noth £3550, £3450; Lost Farm £3500, £3350; Cranna £3500, £3350; West Cruichie £3250, £3050; Sim – Auchtygall £3550; South Blachrie £3450;
Heifer with Heifer Calf: SimX – Auchtygall £3950, £3900, £3700, £3400; Lost Farm £3750, £3400, £3350; Ardhuncart £3700, £3650, £3600, £3500; South Blachrie £3650, £3500, £3450; The Bungalow £3500, £3150; Cranna £3450, £3400, £3250; West Cruichie £3200; Pitcairn farm £3150;
Cow with Bull Calf: SimX – Auchanland Farm £3350, £3200, £3150; Fairburn £3050, £2500; Sim – Auchanland Farm £3200.
Bulling Heifers: Connachie SimX – £2280, £2220, £2200, £2180, £2150; Berryleys Sim – £2250, £2000; Brodieshill Farm SimX – £2220, £2200, £2050; Essil SimX – £2050, £1900; Culquhassen SimX – £1880, £1520.
Pedigree Bulls – Sim – Drumsleed 5200gns
Charles Gordon (left), Lost Farm, Strathdon, receiving the Champion Simmental award, for the third year in a row, from BSCS representative, Gary Wright, Lagavaich Simmentals.
Results from Show and Sale of Commercial Beef Breeding Cattle, Wednesday 1st May 2024, Sponsored by East Coast Viners
Judge – Colin Stuart Belnoe Glenlivet
Class 1 Simmental Sired Heifer with Male Calf
1st – Ardhuncart Farms Ardhuncart Kildrummy £3,500
2nd – I & M Keith Auchtygall Peterhead £3,950
3rd – Ardhuncart Farms Ardhuncart Kildrummy £3,650
Class 2 Simmental Sired Heifer with Female Calf
1st – C & G Gordon Lost Farm Strathdon £3,750
2nd – A Prentice The Bungalow New Noth Gartly £3,500
3rd – Ardhuncart Farms Ardhuncart Kildrummy £3,700
Champion Simmental Sired Heifer with calf at foot
C & G Gordon Lost Farm Strathdon £3,750
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