by Nicky Moreton | Mar 12, 2025 | 2024 Scottish News
2024 started with the AGM
Bruce Lambie, Patricia Goldie and Gareth ward retired from the committee – thank you to you all.
Jim Dyet was re-elected as chairman with Jonathan Gunn re-elected as vice chairman. Joanne Smith & Billy Kirk were elected to the committee.
Stock judging training day
The first event of the year was the Junior Stock Judging training, hosted by Gavin and Anna Brown at the Springfield herd. This year we made an open stock judging to all ages along with a herd walk afterwards and a BBQ. Our two teams for the junior inter club stock judging were selected from this event.
Our teams to represent the club in Northern Ireland were Aimee and Emma Stronach, Heather Duff and Emma McAllister.
Royal Highland Show
Royal Highland show
The show was well attended with a good entry of Simmentals, Backmuir were Overall Champion with Annick Ginger’s Lucia.
Cattle at Innerwick
Innerwick herd visit
The club held a herd walk by kind permission of Dorothy Moffat. This event was well attended and enjoyed by all thank you to the Moffat family for your hard work preparing for this day.
Scottish National Show
Scottish National Simmental show.
The Scottish National Show was held this year at Turriff. Dorothy Moffat did an excellent job in judging, placing Annick Ginger’s Lucia from Backmuir as her champion with Delfur in reserve place with Delfur Nifty.
Finally the club would like to congratulate Jonathan Gunn our Vice-Chairman and Joanne Smith on their marriage in October.
by Nicky Moreton | Mar 5, 2025 | 2024 Cornwall News
January
The year began with the sad loss of one of our founder members Roger Pascoe. A great friend and enthusiast for our breed, Roger introduced many breeders to the art of show craft and encouraged everyone to enter shows and keep the cattle sections going. Simmental herds that have benefited from his advice include Bolankin, Cathedral, Chegwidden, Chyanhal and Lesceave Cliff. He was known to many as Captain Cornwall or interbreed as with his knowledge, no matter what breed or type of animal, cattle, horses, dogs red tickets flowed. He will be missed by many at shows, events, and at coffee times.
Presentation of long service award to Roger Pascoe by Royal Cornwall Show
February brought round our annual duel with the Truro South Devons Cattle Club. The contest this year was hosted by the South Devons with the chosen challenge being a quiz. The music round caused much laughter, and our hosts emerged overall victors at the end of an enjoyable night.
March – a few club members attended a Country Skittles evening at Leedstown. Royal Cornwall hosted the Farm and Country Days at the showground. One of the volunteer exhibitors, club member Ant Hart of Treverbyn Simmental Herd took along a cow, Treverbyn Josie and her steer calf Ronnie with story boards to represent the beef industry and promote the British Simmental Breed to the county’s schoolchildren and their teachers.
April – Steph Hooper and David Reeves travelled to Sedgemoor Calf show to start their show season with Tregnether Proper Job, Peach, and Pixie, gaining two firsts and a second plus champion and reserve.
Bosahan Nansloe Simmental Champion & Interbreed Reserve Continental at 2024 Devon County Show
May
Devon County show and three herds travelled from Cornwall to compete. Under, the judge David Sapsed, Heathbrow, Bosahan Nansloe from the Olds family shown by Dan Olds was selected class winner, Male Champion, and Overall Simmental champion.
Tregnether Nellie from Steph Hooper and David Reeves winning Female champion and Reserve Supreme.
Trewarnevas Poldark picked up a first for Alison Grose in the calf class.
On Interbreed day, Bosahan Nansloe won reserve continental male champion. Tregnether Proper Job won interbreed junior bull. Tregnether won the team of three. Bosahan Nansloe and Tregnether Nellie gained a third in the strong pairs section.
YFC Stock Judging at the Royal Cornwall Show
Many thanks to all involved in helping the team of five to prepare once more for the Young Farmers stock judging in the cattle rings. Smartly turned out in white coats, the exhibitors showcased the breed and caused the expert judge as well as the participants a challenge to place them. Congratulations to Megan Stratton who was the overall winner.
One Day Shows
July is packed with the Cornish one day shows. The Rosewin Shield for most points was contested by six herds across five shows.
The sun shone at Liskeard and Praze and no one would have predicted the deluges that followed during July and August.
Liskeard – Judge Mr Steve Gummow
At Liskeard, Pennytinney and Trewarnevas competed with other continentals in any other breed with Pennytinney Magic Star taking the Simmental sash. A home-bred January 2021 first calf heifer with a May born bull calf at foot. Their younger heifer Pennytinney Pandora also featured in the beef section results and together with Bosahan Nova Georgia Cruz won the team of three. Alison Grose made the frame with her cow Mayflower and polled bull Pedro.
Praze – Judge Mr Alan Carter
At Praze Fair Show the Buckland family started their showing campaign with Angwelha Fantastic Pippa a 2023 heifer and Wellatree’s new stock bull Clonagh Perfectly Fab. Pippa was selected as best Simmental and stood overall reserve to the Johns family’s Hereford cow and calf.
Stithians – Judge Mr James Kimber
Simmentals shone through the persistent rain at the 190th Stithians Show. The cattle exhibitors with nigh on one hundred entries across five divisions each of beef and dairy breeds provided a quality show in challenging weather conditions.
Mr James Kimber (Beanhill) ably judged the British Simmentals section with five classes.
Heading the first class; cow in milk or in-calf; was Megan Wellington’s Pennytinney Magic Star following up her Liskeard success.
Megan and her partner Emma Bate then went on to take the 2022 heifer class with Bosahan Nova Georgia Cruz who was purchased as a calf at foot at the 2022 Bosahan reduction sale at Exeter.
The heifer born in 2023 was won by the exhibitor-bred Angwelha Fantastic Pippa heralding a day that lived up to her name for her breeder Steven Buckland, the current vice-chairman of the Cornwall Simmental Club.
Clonagh Perfectly Fab by Manor Park Handsome and owned by the Buckland family won the bull any age class.
The Pairs class went to Megan and Emma Jane ably assisted by Adele Jewell with Pennytinney Magic Star and Bosahan Nova Georgia Cruz.
Moving on to the championship where Fantastic Pippa was tapped forward with Nova Georgia filling the reserve spot. James thanked all the exhibitors in his comments for taking part stating he was particularly impressed with the quality show of females before him. He then went on to select the champion, reserve, and winning cow for the interbreed team of three.
The interbreed judging involves all the section judges awarding points to cattle forward excluding their breed division selection.
After some rapid calculations, the Simmentals stood as runners-up to the Jersey team. The individual Beef and Dairy Champions came next. Fellow judges endorsed James Kimber’s decision, and the Simmental heifer Fantastic Pippa was awarded the sash over the mature South Devon Bull.
Camborne Show Team of Five
Camborne – Judge Mr David Pascoe
Simmentals pulled off an interbreed double at a very wet 80th Camborne Show. The eighteen cattle exhibitors with almost 70 entries across ten sections of beef and dairy breeds provided a wonderful show despite the awful weather conditions.
Mr David Pascoe (Trevenen Herefords) appraised the British Simmental classes.
Reversing the Stithians show placings the Olds family’s Bosahan Natasha Karina Star (P) prevailed over Bosahan Nova Georgia Cruz shown by Megan Wellington and Emma Jane Bate.
The heifer born in 2023 was the strongest class of the day with five smart youngsters forward. Steph Hooper and David Reeves’ Tregnether Peach headed the line with Angwelha Fantastic Pippa owned and bred by Steven Buckland in second, Bosahan Peony Hello Baby (P) took the third spot with Tregnether Pixie and Pennytinney Pandora filling the other places.
There were only two bulls forward on the day with the Buckland’s Clonagh Perfectly Fab preferred over Steph and David’s Tregnether Prince. The Pairs class went to Daniel and John Olds with Bosahan Natasha Karina Star (P) and Bosahan Peony Hello Baby (P).
Moving on to the championship where Tregnether Peach was tapped forward over Natasha. David concluded his stint for the day with by selecting Tregnether Peach and Tregnether Pixie for the pair of uncalved heifers and the five entries in the 2023 born heifer class to represent the Simmental breed for the interbreed awards.
Roger Laity, the 2024 interbreed judge selected Peach and Pixie for the Avon Farmers Ltd trophy and the Simmental team of five females to lift the prestigious Harry Cock Challenge Trophy, first presented in 1984, involving all the beef and dairy breeds. Describing both the pair and team as easy first choices from the moment they entered the ring.
The sun put in a brief appearance during the cattle parade where an enthusiastic show President Liz Bowden presented trophies accompanied by the cattle section Chairman Redvers Williams.
Finally, a big thank you to the Buckland family for organising and the club president Charlie and wife Jenny for running the hospitality facility for exhibitors, club members and supporters.
Launceston – Judge Mr Mark Quick
The Cornish one day shows concluded with Launceston attended by Pennytinney and Tregnether.
Tregnether Prince won the any other continental beef breed, bull any age class and the section championship to end his showing career before moving to a new home. Megan and Emma Jane’s three females continued their domination of the other classes standing first and second in the cow or heifer any age. Pennytinney Pandora won the heifer not in calf, heifer of any breed or cross breed, reserve champion butchers’ beef and best beef heifer.
The Royal Welsh Show – congratulations to Steve Gummow on judging the British Simmental section a great honour at such a prestigious show.
Commercial Open Day
On Saturday 27th, July Edward and Jack Noy hosted the commercial open day at their home farm Chy-Wood Farm Porkellis Helston and off land at Halvasso Longdowns Penryn.
Meeting at Halvasso, approximately forty visitors viewed Blonde x Simmental and South Devon x Simmental suckler cows with their January to March born calves at foot running with a Blonde bull before moving to the home farm.
After the farm walk, refreshments were served in the barn followed by a talk by Tori Leggatt on a range of Crediton Milling Company products and services available to farmers. Tori also explained the targets regarding the reduction of soya in their feeds.
August
Okehampton – Judge Mr Graham Reed
A successful raid across the border saw Tregnether and Pennytinney attend Okehampton show for the first time with a returning visit by the Bucklands. Another very wet day where the club’s gazebo promoting the Simmental Breed was put to good use. Pennytinney Magic Star won another cow class while Clonagh Perfectly Fab headed the males and emerged Champion Simmental under Graham Reed (Skylark). Tregnether Nellie took female honours and then stood reserve champion to the bull. As a pair they were tapped forward in the top three for the interbreed award.
Holsworthy & Stratton – Judge Mr Chris Eddy
Well, the 4am start and 3-hour drive certainly paid off for Alison Grose. Another wet one but efforts rewarded with Trewarnevas Mayflower Champion Any Other Breed Continental, Trewarnevas Pedro reserve. First trophy for the herd.
September
Club Trip 2024
Twenty-two members and friends met at Newquay airport for our 2024 club trip to the Edinburgh area. Beginning with Robert Macgregor’s family we viewed the Team Herd and then moved on to Gordon Clark to see the remaining Broombrae cattle before his dispersal sale. The following day in mist and mizzle we visited the Woodhall, Innerwick and Braidwood herds and took part in a guess the weight challenge for one of the Stirling bound bulls. Day three kicked off with the Westridge herd followed by the entertaining Bruce Lambie at Fallhills. The day concluded with the Springfield herd and ambitious Gavin Brown. On Saturday before heading for the airport we caught up with Richard McCulloch’s Overhill House cattle and experienced shed envy. Everyone was welcoming and generous hosts, and we were privileged to see some outstanding animals. The photos and videos taken of entry and exits of a variety of trailer transport provided could feature on “You have been framed”!! All the hosts were presented with engraved glass paperweight mementos and sent Cornish Cream Tea hampers on our return.
Cattle at Overhill House
ANOTHER CORNISH ADVENTURE! 2024
A collection of Cornish Characters
Took off again ‘into the Blue’
Travelling this time to Scotland
Simmental cattle to view
There was an air of adventure and excitement
As our plane hit the ground pretty hard!
We eventually located our coach
And drove till we reached Roberts’ yard
Then, on to a trailer we piled
After refreshing with coffee and tea
Climbing high up into the hills
The super ‘Team’ Cattle to see
The cattle were great as expected
Bulls set for Stirling looked good
We enjoyed the Macgregor hospitality
Enjoying some well received food
Then, to Gordon (via some strangers’ yard!)
To look at great cattle Broombrae
All destined to disperse at Stirling
Will be for Gorden a difficult day
We arrived at our Hotel in the evening
But the Kitchen was CLOSING at Eight!
Only a few managed to get any food
As the Chef was in a ‘Going home’ state !!
Some then ordered a ‘take away’
As our welcome one was not one would call ‘warm’!
One waitress was really quite rude
Not blessed with much Scottish charm
On THURSDAY we drove to Macaskills
Our driver drove like someone possessed!
Changing lanes, in and out of the traffic
T’was exciting, we were all quite impressed
We eventually arrived, quite safely
To Woodhall, in the mist and the rain
And were greeted with warmth by the family
Before onto a trailer again
As she showed us Hectors’ favourite cow
Jenny became very sad
We could tell since losing dear Hector
Just how much she misses her dad
The cattle were strong and impressive
As we went up steep hills we gazed
At a field of almost 100 acres!
Which left all of us pretty amazed
We left the charming family Macaskill
Then to Innerwick Farm, by the sea
To be met with an enormous banquet
A delight as you’d imagine it would be
We went then up hill and down dale
To see cattle, a joy to the eye
Everywhere you looked there was a beauty
Each one you’d be happy to buy
After tea and a ‘wee dram ’we left
As our dinner table was booked for Seven
We had a hilarious ‘nearly wet yourself’ evening
And were still laughing after Eleven
FRIDAY greeted us with mist once again
Setting off to see Gareth Ward
‘Flat out’ on the roller coaster roads
Weather cleared as we reached his yard
We were taken up rolling hills of the farm
Were fields and views just never end
After seeing this good Westridge herd
Welcome lunch before off on our travels again
Great cattle, fine people, good food
Off to Fallhills and Bruce Lambie, his friend
And drank yet more cups of tea
With much ‘heaving’ and ‘shoving’ and laughter
We got on a trailer, more cattle to see
Great cattle, nice people once more
To Gavin Browns’ Springfield Herd, and a ‘Barbie’
We arrived down another long lane
The cattle again were quite stunning
The bulls for Stirling fit and good
Burgers and chatter as we stood
Turned out our driver, Sola, from Fiji
Played rugby sevens against Gavin years ago
What a strange coincidence to meet up
Talk of Rugby began then to flow
The back to the Hotel, our last night
More laughter and fun in the bar
They will possibly remember our visit
This Simmental club from afar!
SATURDAY, off to Richard McCulloch’s
Overhill Herd in the mist to see
Seeing some very good cattle
Before finishing in a huge shed for tea
We said goodbye to dear Sola
Our Driver who was part of our ‘tour’
At the airport, then we grabbed a quick sandwich
Before flying home to Cornwall once more
The trip, a success and good fun
To see great cattle, a feast for the eye
To inspire and learn where we are aiming
Many Thanks to our Hosts …. and Goodbye
Penny Lally September 2024
Cornwall Simmental Club 2024 Herd Competition – Judged by John Barker
John Barker, whose father founded the famous Heywood Simmental herd, travelled from Taunton Somerset to judge the Cornwall Club’s 2024 herd competition.
Over three busy days John scrutinised eleven pedigree and five commercial herds.
Awards were presented following a dinner at The Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth on the evening of Saturday 21st September 2024.
After thanking all the participants, John complimented the members on the quality of their cattle and the county’s strength and depth in numbers of pedigree Simmentals and commercial cattle. He commented that anyone wishing to invest in the breed would have plenty of choice in Cornwall.
Congratulations to Killiworgie for winning the large and overall best herd trophies winning five of the eleven classes on the night. Established in 1998 the herd currently runs twenty-two pedigree cows, eight of which are classified excellent.
Bosahan stood in reserve position and took home the cup for the Best Home-Bred Female.
The Small Herd Shield went to Steven and Aimee Buckland, collected by Jean Buckland on the night, with their successful Angwelha Fantastic family featuring in the prizes. Megan Wellington’s Pennytinney herd with eight pedigree cows stood reserve.
Newcomers to the competition, Edward, and Jack Noy the Cornwall Club’s Commercial Open Day hosts, were presented with the Best Commercial Herd Salver while the Backway family, our 2023 hosts, took the reserve spot.
Finally, the ‘John Langdon Trophy’ for the Young Member that has contributed most to promoting the breed in 2024 was presented to Jack Noy. A judge’s special mention went to Hope Pascoe who works for Don Cowell’s Hawkhill herd as John was impressed by her knowledge of the cattle.
The Cornwall Club are incredibly grateful to John Barker for taking time out of his packed schedule to visit all the herds.
Cattle at Chegwidden prior to the dispersal sale
October Herd Dispersals
The month began with the dispersal sale of the White Bolankin mainly commercial herd. Edward’s cattle have consistently featured in the herd competition prizes.
October also saw the dispersal of Chegwidden herd of Viv and Jeff Hall at Exeter. Chegwidden Florence’s Jasmin topped the females at £4K with Chegwidden Maximus heading the bulls at £3K.The club wishes Viv and Jeff a happy and healthy retirement. A warm welcome awaits at future club events.
Autumn suckler calf sales
Simmentals continued to dominate trade at livestock sales across the British Isles.
Wednesday 23rd October Truro Livestock Market – 3rd Sale of Suckled Calves
Special Simmental Society Sale Results. With his older steer calves selling to £1160 Liam Vague of Truro topped three of the four classes with cross-bred animals by Bosahan Kracken. Mrs Williams from Pendeen sold heifers born after 1st March 2024 to £810.00 sired by Liskerret Garrett.
Hallworthy Stockyard’s second sale of suckled calves incorporating the annual show and sale on behalf of the Southwestern Suckled Calf Association on Tuesday 29th October 2024 – Judge Mr R Cobbledick.
Top spot went to Mr J Buckland & Son of Penzance with a run of pedigree Simmental steers with depth, length, and tremendous fleshing. His pen of four at ten months took first in the best bunch to £1520 and he also had a single to £1500 all sired by Newbiemains Lorenzo. The best pen of Simmental Heifer/Heifers Calves went to SP & DA Ovens of Camelford sired by home-bred Worthyvale Miracle.
November
Agrifest South West
Judging at Agrifest
Judges: Primestock Mr Jonathon Lyon; Pedigree Mrs Gail Ellis
November features the fat stock competitions. Tregnether, Treverbyn and Trewarnevas attended the Agri-Fest at West Point Exeter Devon County Showground. Steph and David headed the pedigree Simmental female classes with Tregnether Rosie and Alison Grose in second spot with Trewarnevas Red Lady Kalei. Tregnether Rambo was 2nd to Sturriver Randy Pandy, the eventual Continental Male Champion. Trewarnevas took 4th place with Remark-A-Bull. Ant Hart stood third in the primestock classes with Treverbyn Ronnie and provided two smart pedigree heifers for the Southwest Simmental Club hospitality stand.
Congratulations to Alison Grose on her success at Helston Fatstock Show. Besides being Secretary Trewarnevas stock took home four firsts and two seconds.
Best Continental Beef Heifer Calf, Tregnether Rosie at the Cornish Winter Fair
Cornish Winter Fair – Judge Mr Arthur Stanbury
The last pedigree calf classes before the AGM were held at the Cornish Winter Fair, Royal Cornwall Showground Wadebridge. Judged by Mr Arthur Stanbury the Best Continental Beef Heifer Calf went to Tregnether Rosie. Tregnether Rambo filled the second spot in the Best Continental Beef Bull Calf to the Charolais who was eventually tapped out overall champion to the Shorthorn entry.
Welsh Winter Fair
Congratulations to Ant Hart of the Treverbyn herd who won the steer sired by a pure-bred continental bull other than Limousin, British Blue, Charolias & British Blonde with his January 2024 born Ronnie by Skylark Geronimo.
Rosewin Shield presentation to Megan Wellington of Pennytinney herd
Annual General Meeting
The club year concluded with the annual general meeting held in the Training Room at Burthy Bungalow Summercourt Newquay. The Rosewin Shield for the Most Points at One Day Shows was awarded to Megan Wellington owner of the Pennytinney herd. Presentations were made to Bridget Olds (retiring secretary) and Nic Carlyon for providing the venue. The club supported nominations for Emma Jane Bate (secretary) and George Hosken (committee member).
A pasty supper was followed with a very interesting talk by the new Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association Secretary and Chief Executive Mark Stoddart. Mark shared his background and business interests which led to his involvement with the Great Yorkshire Show. A huge advocate for the livestock and farming contribution to our County show, he was interested to hear the club members’ views and ideas regarding the running of the cattle section.
by Nicky Moreton | Feb 27, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 Aberdeen Sales, 2025 News, 2025
SIMMENTAL BULLS AVERAGE £7770, UP £1938 ON THE YEAR, AND A NEW CENTRE RECORD AVERAGE
Islavale Pizza sells at 9000gns
Backmuir bulls at 8000gns, and 7000gns x2
Tillyeve, and Drumsleed bulls at 7500gns
The ongoing demand for Simmental bulls was again evident with another record trade for the breed at the 2025 Aberdeen & Northern Marts Spring Show & Sale, at the Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, held on Wednesday 26th February.
Ten Simmental bulls sold to average a terrific £7770, up by £1938 on the year, and setting a new breed record mark for this fixture. The clearance rate was an excellent 83%.
Coltfield Principal 10,00gns
Leading the way was Cameron MacIver, and his son James, Wester Coltfield, Forres, Moray who topped the Simmental trade at 10,000gns with their April 2023 born Coltfield Principal. This calf is sired by the by the 13,000gns herd stock sire Wolfstar Loose Cannon, purchased at Stirling in February 2022, and is out of the classified Coltfield Holly EX 92, one of the ‘best cows’ in the herd who to date had only ever produced heifer calves.
Combining pedigree and solid performance figures, Coltfield Principal went to Thainstone with a bit of a show record behind him having been a class winner at the 2023 Stars of the Future Calf Show held in Stirling. His sisters have also previously placed first in class at the Royal Highland. Buying the top price was commercial producer G McConnach, Drumneachie, Birse, Aboyne for their 100-cow Simmental based herd.
Cameron & James MacIver with Coltfield Principal who sold for 10,000gns
It was a fitting time to take the top price with Cameron MacIver currently being the President of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society, the hosts of this annual and noted Spring Show & Sale! Speaking afterwards Cameron said: “With my Presidency hat on I wanted to support the sale with a good bull and am delighted that Principal went on to sell for the day’s top price. We considered selling him in October 2024 but kept him back to use on pedigree heifers. A tall, clean bull, who has excellent mobility, he’s retained a good coat of hair and we think carries some real style and spark.” Of the Simmental Sale generally, he went on to say: “The quality of Simmental bulls at this Thainstone Sale continues to rise year on year and the demand for the breed from commercial buyers was there again which is great to see.”
Reserve Champion Islavale Pizza 9000gns
Selling at 9000gns was the day’s Reserve Simmental Champion in the shape of Islavale Pizza from WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. Full of proven breeding and performance figures, the November 2023 born Islavale Pizza is sired by Rockytop Luca, who has bred daughters up to 15,000gns, and is out of the ‘Golden Cow’ Islavale Topaz 8 EX 93 (EX2). Pizza’s figures put him in the breed’s top 1% for 400 day weight, the top 1% for both Terminal Production Index, and Self Replacing Index. He also carries a Maternal (Milk) figure of +9. Purchasing this dark red bull was JP Clark Ltd, Kinnahaird Farm, Contin, Strathpeffer. A prolific selling herd at Aberdeen, this second top price follows on from three consecutive years of Islavale topping this sale.
Champion, Backmuir Pacific 8000gns
At 8000gns was Backmuir Pacific from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith. Earlier in the day this bull had been placed a Overall Simmental Supreme Champion by the pre-sale multi breed judge, Stephen Sutherland, Sibmister, Castletown, Thurso. April 2023 born, this bull is by the homebred sire Backmuir Krypton 19, and is out of the Woodhall Ferrari 14 daughter Kennox Frankie’s Jewel. The day’s Champion was knocked down to Dingwall based commercial producer J&J Henderson, Udale Farm, Poyntzfield. It was another solid sale day for the 80-cow Backmuir herd who in addition to the Champion at 8000gns also sold other bulls at 7000gns x 2; and 6000gns.
Two bulls made 7500gns. The first of these was Tillyeve Polaris from Messrs C&M Bruce, Tillyeve, Udny, Ellon. By Corrick Logic 20, and out of Tillyeve Lily (TF), a Drumacritten Ian daughter, this bull is another heading to Orkney having been purchased by Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Stromness. A few lots earlier, Tillyeve Paddy 23, another Corrick Logic son, made 6000gns when selling to J Watson, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh.
Also selling at 7500gns was one of the youngest bulls in the catalogue, Drumsleed Pacific from Mr GW Smith, Drumsleed, Fordoun, Laurencekirk. May 2023 born, this third prize bull is by Dellfield Kingpin 19, and is out of Drumsleed Katelyn 19, a Lopemede Grenadier 15 (P) daughter. Drumsleed Pacific was knocked down to AJ McLeod, Mains of Hatton, Strichen, Fraserburgh. Another Dellfield Kingpin 19 son, Drumsleed Panther, sold for 8500gns at the recent Stirling Sale.
This Thainstone Sale followed hard on the heels of Stirling two weeks ago and where 94 Simmental bulls averaged a breed record £9,832, up £2,334 on the year, and with a new breed record price for a bull of 56,000gns.
OTHER SIMMENTAL PRICES:
7000gns Lot 48 Backmuir Porsche 23 to HJ Arnott, Westerton, Memsie, Fraserburgh
7000gns Lot 50 Backmuir President 23 to Finzean Estate, Finzean, Banchory
6000gns Lot 42 Tillyeve Paddy 23 to J Watson, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh
6000gns Lot 44 Backmuir Paddy 23 to JK Ledingham, Fintry, Turriff
5000gns Lot 56 Whitecairns Paramount 23 to C Gospel, Auchmacleddie, Strichen, Fraserburgh
by Nicky Moreton | Feb 17, 2025 | 2025 Market Briefs, 2025 News, 2025
THERE’S MORE TO SIMMENTAL: TOPPING COMMERCIAL SALES AT 34 MARKETS AROUND THE UK IN JANUARY 2025
ABERDEEN; BALLYMENA; THAME; ST BOSWELLS; DARLINGTON; HUNTLY; THIRSK; GISBURN; STIRLING; THIRSK; TRURO; AYR; HEXHAM; SALISBURY; MALTON; BROCKHOLES; CARLISLE; BAKEWELL; SWATRAGH; CASTLE DOUGLAS; WORCESTER; HALLWORTHY; EXETER; WHITLAND; DUMFRIES; FROME; PENRITH; MARKET DRAYTON; LANCASTER; DUNGANNON; OSWESTRY; MARKETHILL; HUNTLY; GISBURN.
Beef prices continue to hit unprecedented levels and the Simmental breed remains front and centre, topping commercial sales and sections around the UK.
Commercial producers taking sight of the forward industry know that their suckler cows are the engine of their beef enterprise. They’re turning to Simmental to future proof their herds, and with the benefits in milk, easy calving, fertility, and ability to rear a quality calf year on year, that adding Simmental genetics brings.
Include the Simmental’s proven abilities in age at slaughter and daily carcase gain, all with significantly reduced finishing costs, and less environmental impact, and it really does add up to money, performance, and efficiency for producers.
SIMM STORES TO 477.3P AT THAINSTONE
At Thainstone on 31st January, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 581 store cattle and young bulls. Heifers (339) averaged 379.6p and sold to 477.3p per kg for a pen of seven 264kg Simmental Cross from Bogmore, Duncanstone. On the same day and a sale of 95 store cattle on behalf of Orkney consignors, bullocks sold to £2390 gross for a 660kg Simmental Cross from Workwell, Orphir, with heifers selling to o £2300 gross for a 620kg Simmental Cross from Workwell.
At Ballymena on 31st January, and a sale of breeding bulls, dropped calves, suckler cows, and weanlings, sucklers were topped by E Gillan with a Simmental at £2300, and who had other Simms at £2100, and £2020.
At Thame Farmers Auction Mart’s sale of 165 store cattle on 31st January, M/S Benford topped the heifer trade with six Aberdeen Angus X Simmental 22 months at £1785, and a second pen at £1570. Simmental X from the same farm sold at £1565.
SIMM BULLOCKS TO 447.1p AT ST BOSWELLS
At St Boswells store cattle sale on 30th January held by H&H, bullocks topped at 447.1p for Simmentals from Mossilee. The same vendor had further Simmental bullocks at 444.4p, and 427.5p. Mossilee also sold Simmental heifers to £2290.
SIMM PRIME HEIFER TO £2840 AT DARLINGTON
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their weekly sale of prime stock on 30th January 2025. Forward were 225 cattle. In the clean cattle (139) , the gross values continue to climb by the week and further success for Scotland was evident as our leading beast in the lump was a superb Simmental heifer from S & J E Andrew, Letter Farm, Loch-of-Lowes at £2840
At Huntly on 30th January, United Auctions Huntly 166 Store Cattle and OTMS. Store Cattle trade continues to climb with buyers eager for all sorts. Heifers (53) sold to a top gross of £2060 for a 565kg SimX from Auchnairn, Keith.
At Thirsk on 30th January, and a sale of cull cows, top price in the lump was a 69m, Simmental cow which sold for a fabulous £2250 consigned by F & D Cornforth, Hambleton and purchased by R Pearson & Son, Bradford.
In a sale of cast cattle at Gisburn on 30th January, continental beef bred cows sold to a high of 324ppk for a fed Simmental cow from Dales farmers Mason & Gardner.
STIRLING BULLOCKS TOPPED BY A SIMM AT £2470
At Stirling on 29th January, United Auctions sold 1256 Store Cattle and 163 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls, and 31 Rearing Cattle. Bullocks (724) sold to £2470 for a 682kg Simmental from Whiteside. Simmental heifers sold to £2400 from Hatton of Newtyle. Bulls (15) sold to £2970 for a 906kg Simmental from North Balloch. OTM bulls were topped by North Balloch with a Simmental at £2970, followed by West Mains with a Simmental at £2890.
Holsworthy’s sale of store cattle on 29th January, saw younger stores topped by 13mth Simmental steers from Messrs CR & CF Timms & Son, Inwardleigh at £1410.
In a sale of rearing calves at Truro, two month old Simmentals topped the bull trade at £550 from Messrs AD & JA Bray of St Martin, Helston.
At Ayr on 28th January and a sale of calves and stirks, bullocks topped at £1300 for a 8 Month Old Simmental Cross Bullock off Messrs Mathewson, Thorn.
In a sale of prime cattle at Hexham on 28th January, Messrs Graham, Miller Hill sold Simmental cross heifers to £2236.80 to feature in the leading prices.
In a sale of barren cows and bulls at Salisbury Livestock Market on 28th January, an under three year old, Tb tested, farm assured, Simmental x grazing cow from Gemma, Will and George Edwards reached a market record price per kilo of 269p. In the OTM clean cattle, a run of farm assured, over thirty month, steers and heifers from Tony Nutland and family met an exceptionally strong trade to reach 314.5p or £2204.65 for Simmental x steers and 311.5p or £2071.48 for Simmental x heifers.
A small sale of OTM cattle at Malton on 28th January saw heifers topped by a 695kgs Simm X from SF Stubbings at 337.50ppk (£2345.63).
In a sale of cast cows at Brockholes Arms Auction Mart on 28th January, the cows just keep getting dearer and dearer. In the lump it was K & L Wildman’s Simmental which topped at £2088.
At Carlisle’s primestock sale on 27th January, Mr Tom Byres, Ellen Bank sold a 41 month Simmental cross bullock for 866kgs, 325.5p, £2818 to Charles Kirkpatrick. In the prime bulls Messrs McCulloch, Overhill, Bathgate sold 1055kg Simmental to £3054.23.
At Bakewell on 27th January, a small sale of OTM bulls were topped by a six year old Simmental at £2500 from P Cafferty, Ashover.
In the sale of 479 store cattle at Darlington on 27th January, beasts under a year saw the highlights include Simmental and Charolais steers from E Parsons, Newstead Farm to a top of £1610. On the same day, a flying stock bull trade saw Simmental bulls sell to over £2500.
At Swatragh on 27th January there was a super demand for all kinds of stock. Cows sold to a top of £2280 per head for a Sim at 770kg (296p/kg) from a Cookstown producer.
Wallets Marts, Castle Douglas on 27th January had forward 205 OTM and Store Cattle. Top per kilo on the day was 304ppk for a Simmental from also from Messrs Black, Hillside.
In a sale of store cattle at Worcester on 25th January, continental heifers were topped at 317ppk for Simm X’s from M&EA Ford.
SIMM HEIFERS TO £2390 AT THAINSTONE STORE SALE
At Thainstone on 24th January, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 1295 store cattle, young bulls, and weaned calves. Heifers (494) sold to a top gross of £2390 for a pen of four 684kg Simmental Cross from Euchries, Crossroads. Bulls (41) sold to £2300 gross for a 780kg Simmental Cross from Brawliemuir, Drumlithie.
On 23rd January and a sale of cull cows at Thirsk, topping both the ppk and pph was a superb 37 month, 798kg Simmental cow from BW & AM Mook of Flaxton which sold for a whopping 293.5ppk or £2342 and was purchased by R Pearson & Son, Bradford.
At Hallworthy’s store sale on 23rd January, the sale of the day was the young suckler Steers with Mr J Buckland of St Buryan who had his usual run of pure Simmental Steers at 9-10 months with huge frame and plenty of conformation to £1625 for three.
In a sale of rearing calves at Truro on 22nd January, a pair of Simmental x steers flew away to top the trade at £585 for Messrs A D & J A Bray from St Martin, Helston.
On 21st January at Whitland Mart and a sale of weaned calves, the steers were led by a nine month old Simmental at £1050 from Jones, Tegryn.
C&D Auctions Ltd held their fortnightly sale of OTM and Prime Cattle in Dumfries on 20th January 2025. Bulls were led at £2300.40 by a Simmental from Dollard. Feeding steers were topped at 235ppkgg for a Simmental from Killervan.
C&D Auctions Ltd held their fortnightly sale of OTM and Prime Cattle in Dumfries on 20th January 2025. Bulls were led at £2300.40 by a Simmental from Dollard. Feeding steers were topped at 235ppkgg for a Simmental from Killervan.
In a sale of cull cows on 20th January at Exeter, Simmentals headed the section when drawing £1707 (764kg x 224ppk) and £1577 (732kg x 216ppk) for strong types from Douglas Horton and Family of Kingsbridge whilst another grand Simmental from John and Helen Keep, Moretonhampstead came back at £1423 (732kg x 195ppk).
On 17th January and a sale of breeding bulls, dropped calves, suckler cows, and weanlings at Ballymena, 45 lots of suckler cows were topped at £3050 including a Simmental second calver in calf from C McKee, Broughshane. W Patton, Cloughmills, sold Simmentals with heifer calves at £3020, and £3000.
At Thainstone on 17th January, a total of 126 Store Cattle were forward from Orkney Consignors. Bullocks Sold to £2290 gross for a 634kg Simmental Cross from A Miller, Blinkbonny and 412.6p per kg for a Pair of 458kg Simmental Cross from K L Bews, Hilton Farm.
Simmentals topped both the steers and heifers in a sale of prime cattle at Frome on 17th January. A good show of steers topped at 327p/kg and £2114 for Simmental x from CW Butcher & Son, Devizes. Other well-fed steers from the same consignment to 327p/kg, 322p/kg, 324p/kg, 319p/kg and 317p/kg grossing £2144, £2092, £2084, £2106, and £2102. CW Butcher & Son also topped the heifers at 319p/kg twice from CW Butcher & Son achieving £1974 and £1780 for Simmental X’s.
At Hallworthy’s store cattle sale on 16th January, younger cattle were a premium again with RG, BM & AP Varcoe of Bodmin with 38 Simmental x Suckled Calves away at £1450 for a trio of 9-10 month old Steers and a second pen of 4 to £1340.
United Auctions on 15th January at Stirling sold 1424 Store Cattle and 163 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. Young Bulls (54) sold to £1650 for a 536kg Simm X from Fallhills.
At Thainstone on 14th January, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 100 head of breeding cattle. In calf heifers (17) sold to £2700 (X3) for Simmental Cross from Backhill of Seggat, Auchterless. In Calf Cows (77) sold to £3000 (X3) including a Simmental Cross Spring Calving Cow from Blackhole, Finzean.
At Ayr on 14th January, and a sale of calves and stirks, stirks peaked at £1340 for a 7 month old Simmental Cross Bullock off Messrs Mathewson, Thorn, with others at £1310, and £1180.
On 13th January, Penrith & District Farmers’ Mart LLP held their opening sale of OTM Cattle. Well-fed Simmental Cows from Messrs EJ Ivinson & Sons, Skelling Farm achieved a top price of £2263.53, 251.5ppk selling to Mr G Chapman.
At Market Drayton on 13th January, a flying trade with younger bulls to 300p (£1,944.00) for Simmental from Mr Gareth Acreman, Dunston.
In a sale of 109 barren, OTM, and feeding cows on 13th January at Bakewell, A ‘hot one’ from Nigel & Julie Birch, Monyash achieved the top price of 288p for a 632kgs 34 mnth old Simmental.
Wallets Marts, Castle Douglas had forward 214 OTM and store cattle on 13th January 2025. Store cattle an outstanding trade and topped at £2160 for a Simmental heifer from Messrs McKinnel, Drumneil and 417.9ppk.
At Thainstone on 10th January, Aberdeen & Northern Marts held a sale of store cattle on behalf of Orkney consignors. Heifers Sold to £2150 gross for a 634kg Simmental Cross from West Brough.
Exeter’s sale of 100 suckled calves on 10th January saw a top price of £1250 given for a pair of quality beef bred yearling Simmentals from Mark Stephens of Plympton.
In a sale of OTM & cast cattle at Lancaster on 10th January, a large number of cull stock bulls sold to 264p/kg for a Simmental from EJ&PJ Burrow, Storth.
On 10th January and a sale of breeding bulls, dropped calves, suckler cows, and weanlings at Ballymena, an entry of 18 in-calf cows and heifers sold to £2050 for a Simmental from C McKee, Broughshane.
At Lancaster on 9th January and a sale of OTM/Cast Cattle, beef cows sold to 224p/kg for a Simmental cross from Messrs Beaty, Windermere.
At Dungannon Farmers Mart on 8th January, weanling heifer calves sold to £1310 for a 410kg Sim (318.00) presented by R Gilmour.
At Market Drayton’s store cattle sale on 8th January, steers topped at £1840 for Simmentals from J Gatehouse & Son. Heifers were also topped by Simmentals at £1810 (680kgs) from EV & B Boughey & Son.
In a sale of prime cattle at Frome on 8th January, a super run of steers from CW Butcher & Son, Devizes reached 348p/kg for Simmental x and the overall top price of £2267. Top gross price in the heifer section was £2130, 349p/kg for a Simmental heifer from the same vendor.
In a sale of store cattle on 8th January at Oswestry, a fantastic trade topped at 380ppk for some Simmental steers from the Ormrod family. In a sale of calves on the same day, Simmental & British Blue bulls from J R James & Son, Church Farm again topped the trade selling to £420, £410, £405 & £400.
At a sale of 130 calves at Markethill on 7th January there was another excellent demand. Heifer calves reached £425 for a Simm followed by further Simms at £415 and £410.
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their weekly sale of cast cattle, store and breeding stock on 6th January 2025. Forward were 163 cattle: The meteoric rise in the store cattle trade just goes on and on, all classes were in serious demand. The younger cattle were led by a lovely run of 10-month-old Simmental steers from P T Stephenson & Son, Moorhen Farm when they sold between £1480 and £1570.
C&D Auctions Ltd held their fortnightly sale of OTM Cattle in Dumfries on 6th January 2025. Adverse wintery weather affected numbers with trade being the dearest seen. Beef cows averaged a staggering 234.5p/kg and sold to 308p/kg for a Simmental from JB Paterson & Co, Hartbush and to £2248.20
United Auctions Huntly on 4th January held their first sale of 2025 which saw records destroyed with prices reaching levels never seen before. OTM’S (19) sold to £2520 for a Simmental from Corskie, Garmouth.
At Thainstone on 3rd January, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 699 store cattle, young bull, and young and weaned calves. Bulls sold to £1670 gross for a 570kg Simmental from Drumsleed, Fordoun.
On 3rd January, and a sale of 184 store cattle at Exeter, top of the day was £2020 given for an outstanding Simmental bred steer (26m) from Tom Pascoe up from West Cornwall.
On 2nd January and a sale of rearing calves at Gisburn, a ‘stomping’ Simmental bull at 1month/6days from Chadwick & Leaver sold for £500 to feature in the top prices.
by Nicky Moreton | Feb 7, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025
Here we feature the Newbiemains herd of Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbiemains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire. Jim will be the ‘main in the middle’ when he judges the pre-show sale of Simmental bulls at Stirling on Sunday February 16th 2025.
The Newbiemains Simmental herd was initially established 20 years ago as a hobby alongside the Goldie family’s dairy herd, but two decades later, it’s the beef cattle that take centre stage at this 280-acre farm, which sits on the Solway coast, near Annan, in Dumfriesshire.
As Jim Goldie prepares to judge the Simmental classes at the upcoming Stirling Bull Sales, next month, he reflects on the development of the Newbiemains herd and the changes within the breed as a whole, over the last two decades.
“It was the dual-purpose aspect that really attracted us to the breed in the first place, and we definitely felt that the breed hadn’t yet reached its full potential. We knew they could produce a good, milky female, and we saw it as a challenge to try and breed more shapely bulls, while maintaining that milkiness. The breed has improved a lot, especially in the last 10 years; the bulls have more shape and better weight gain,” he explains.
The Goldies previously farmed in Ayrshire, before moving to Newbiemains in 1993, where they built up a pedigree milking herd of 250 dairy cows – the second highest yielding herd in Scotland at one point. By 2015, however, spiralling costs and falling milk prices (to 16p per litre), meant the family could no longer justify continuing to milk cows. By that time, they had built up the Simmental herd to 80 cows and the decision was made to sell off the dairy cattle and work on building the beef herd.
Jim adds: “At the time, we thought we’d put off the dairy for a year or two, with the option of going back into it. It was hard for the first few years, but we gradually built up a lot of loyal customers for our bulls and we now sell up to 35 bulls a year, mainly from home. There’s also a constant demand for heifers, which we sell both at home and at sales.”
It’s a family effort at Newbiemains, with Jim and his son Niall carrying out the bulk of the farm work, with help from Jim’s wife Trish, who also runs a nutritional advice company, AgriFeed Solutions, and Niall’s fiancé Abby Forsyth, who works for the agricultural department, based in Dumfries. There’s also Jim and Trish’s son, 13-year-old ‘wee’ Jim, who loves to be involved whenever possible and recently won the overall young handler title at the Stars of the Future event in Stirling. The current stock count at home includes 130 pure cows, along with 46 in-calf heifers and 16 recipients carrying embryos, which are due in April.
From the beginning, the Goldies had a particular type of Simmentals in mind that they aspired to breed, so early purchases included ‘beefy’ females, with particular emphasis on feet and legs.
Jim adds: “We initially bought a few from Trish’s family in Ireland; good, beefy, breedy type females that we thought would work here. We wanted them to be fleshy but still milky and most of the females we’ve bought have bred well for us. We generally find that if the rump structure is right, then that follows through to the feet and legs, and more often than not, if they have a good head, with plenty character, that follows through the body too.
“We took our time building up the herd and were very selective with the females that we bought. The Simmentals are a prolific breed and in the first five years, we got a lot of heifer calves, so that helped build the numbers up.”
Working with dairy cows for so many years, has no doubt influenced Jim’s management style with the Simmentals. Heifers calf at two years old, which they find improves their ability to get back in calf. When milking, the goal was to produce as much milk from forage as possible, and the Goldies use this same principle with the Simmentals:
“Heifers are fed concentrates up until they’re a year old, but after that they only receive forage and minerals. We grow our own wholecrop, so they get that and haylage and minerals through the winter. They are a breed that are good at looking after themselves, so they do well on forage. We re-seed often and have good quality grass here, so we make the most of that, with cows normally out to grass at the end of March. When we can, we outwinter the heifers, and we’ve found that those heifers always do better throughout their lives,” says Jim.
Although the bulk of the calving takes place in February and March, they calve year-round, which allows them to have bulls and heifers available at any time of year, to suit their various customers’ needs. Cattle are brought inside to calve, for easier management with tasks such as dehorning, and all bull calves are kept entire.
“Keeping the bulls entire and having a high-health herd, gives us plenty options when it comes to selling any cattle. Those bulls not making the grade are sold as stores between 8-10 months, at Carlisle or Dumfries,” explains Niall.
“We always ask customers what their purpose is for the bull – we have a variety of types that will do different jobs and we’ve found that being completely honest with customers is the best policy. A Simmental cross heifer has the ability to calf at two years old and look after its calf well, so you get a far quicker return with the Simmental compared to some breeds,” he adds.
All the bulls run together in age-group batches, which the Goldies say helps put muscle on them and ensures that they’re ready to go on and thrive on any farm. Although they have regular customers coming to the farm, they do take bulls to sales if they feel they’re ready at the right time, and sales through the market have peaked at 11,000gns, for Newbiemains Neymar, sold at Stirling, last February. There have been a few more five-figure sellers at markets, while prices at home have peaked at £15,000. Last year, they sold 35 bulls, between the farm and sales, to average £6700.
“All our bulls are brought out the same, whether they’re for sale at home or for Stirling or Carlisle. We aim for consistency and want to breed them to a level standard overall,” says Jim.
In their own breeding programme, bulls that have proved successful at Newbiemains include Skerrington Iceman EX95, which was bought privately after Jim saw him as a calf when he was judging at Ayr Show; Annick Klondyke EX94, another private purchase that had won at Stars of the Future; Woodhall Fantastic EX94, bought privately from Hector McCaskill; and the Roscommon purchase, Moorglen Hillbilly EX91.
Niall says: “All of those bulls bred really well for us. Iceman had great shape, but calved really easily, with a short gestation, while Klondyke was a long, stretchy bull that produced great sons and daughters. We have fantastic females off Fantastic and Hillbilly and we also exported nine bulls to Italy, off those two sires.”
While the Goldies have little faith on the reliability of figures, they do consider the female classification scheme extremely worthwhile, and consequently, they classify all their females.
Jim explains: “The importance of cow families is another element that we’ve brought from the dairy to the beef herd. Our aim has always been to keep them at a certain level, with no bottom end and we feel that we have a really strong female base now, but that’s taken a lot of years and is the result of us being very selective. That’s where classifying comes in – it helps set a standard across the whole breed. To us, that’s far more relevant than the figures on Breedplan.”
The Goldies sell females from home and take a few to the NxtGen sale at Carlisle every year. Two years ago, Newbiemains Ladywag made 9000gns at that sale, while Newbiemains Connie was placed champion and made 8000gns, a few years earlier. Showing helped make Newbiemains a recognisable name in the early days, but the whole team enjoy the social aspect of exhibiting, so it’s something they continue to do. They first won big in 2011, with Darsham Remember Me, which was champion at the Scottish National and the Great Yorkshire and they’ve since won at the Yorkshire with the home-bred Newbiemains Eclypse EX90 and Newbiemains Diamond Jubilee. Last year, the Ex94-classified Newbiemains Icandy, proved a star in the show ring, winning inter-breeds at Stirling, Dumfries and Wigtown, shown with her fourth calf at foot.
Next month, there will be no opportunity to show the two cracking Newbiemains bulls heading to the sale at United Auctions, Stirling (Prague and Packapunch), as Jim will taking starring role himself, as judge. It’s a task he’s looking forward to, and he’s optimistic about the demand for Simmental bulls.
“There are definitely plenty buyers that are willing to pay good money for good bulls; but the quality needs to be there,” he says.
And there’s more for the family to look forward to in 2025, with Niall and Abby’s wedding in the summer and plans to diversify into holiday accommodation, where lucky guests will enjoy the unique and beautiful landscape at Newbiemains, looking across the Solway Firth to Silloth, where the first Simmentals arrived into the UK, in 1970.
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