by Nicky Moreton | Apr 30, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 News
Gavin and Anna Brown have been breeding pedigree Simmental cattle for 12 years, having started with just two Highland cows a year earlier. Today, their Midlothian farm carries 30 pure Simmental females, eight Simmental-cross females, 14 Highland cattle, 200 commercial sheep and 30 pure Suffolks. Springfield Farm, near Penicuik in Midlothian, extends to 300 acres, comprising 200 acres of grassland and 100 acres of woodland.
The couple, who have five-year-old twins, Logan and Josh, bought the farm in 2010. Back then, there was just one shed and, in Gavin’s words, the fields were ‘rank’. They bought Highlanders first, as they were the easiest and most useful cattle to put on the largely peat-based farm, and then spent the next 10 years improving badly run-down soil. Four years on and the couple decided to invest in pure-bred Simmental cows to breed what they saw as the ideal female for their system.
Gavin Brown (image: Rob Haining)
They were drawn to the breed for its docility, ease of calving and carcase quality – key traits for producing the ultimate breeding cow under a commercial, low input regime. “I had always liked the look of the Simmental, and they were known to be a calm, easy-handled breed,” explains Gavin. “Because of the nature of the ground, we had to be able to run a pedigree herd on a commercial, low-input system, and it’s reasonable to say the Simmental has lived up to my expectations, and more.” The Browns now 38 females, including 30 purebred Simmentals and eight Simmental-cross cows used as recipients, alongside their 14 Highland cattle.
Some of the Highland cattle grazing near the holiday pods (image: Rob Haining)
While the Simmentals are bred for the pedigree market, the Highlanders primarily supply the farm’s wholesale meat business, with any bulls showing breeding potential sold through Oban and females used as replacements. At present, Gavin says two of the six Highland bulls on the ground ‘will make it’ as breeders, with the remaining four destined for the food chain. The couple also sells home-produced lamb and pork in a pop-up shop on site twice a month and aim to open a small farm shop in the future.
The Browns run 4 holiday pods with a further two getting fitted out to be placed onsite soon (image: Rob Haining)
When it comes to Simmentals, the goal is to breed naturally fleshy cattle with depth, width and style and for Gavin, getting the genetics right from the outset has been crucial. “Our foundation females originated from the Woodhall herd, with the purchase of two heifers that consistently produce cattle that go on and perform,” he says. “All our cows have done their bit, but I’d also have to mention Hazelden Jingles 1, which repeatedly produced top-quality show stock over the years. Now we’re seeing our own breeding making its stamp on the herd, which is both pleasing and encouraging.” Gavin’s eye for stock is driven by a clear template. “When it comes to selecting new stock, I look for a naturally fleshed animal that has character. I like a bit of power and a big character – big but not extreme. It’s just as important that the animal has length and good cover. I like a female to be milky, and a heifer that looks like she’ll be a good cow maker.
Home grown silage is the staple diet of the herd (image: Rob Haining)
Usually, if you find an animal with a big, sweet, breedy head and a big nose end, the rest follows.” Over the years, several stock bulls have stamped their mark on Springfield, but two stand out. Shilo Freedom was privately purchased in Ireland in 2015 for €4000 after Gavin spotted him on Facebook as a show calf. “He was well fleshed with good cover and has bred good stock that have been retained in the herd.”
Young Bulls Springfield Son, Sonny Bill and Sumo (image: Rob Haining)
His out-and-out favourite, however, is Islavale Jabba, which he describes as his greatest investment and the bull that has really taken the herd forward. Bought six years ago at the United Auctions’ May Stirling Bull Sales for 6000gns, Jabba was actually Anna’s choice on the day. “He had length, muscle and balance, and he has produced prolific females and males that have proven successful in both pedigree and commercial herds,” says Gavin. The Browns also have Bighill Plato, which is shared with the Annan-based Newbie Mains herd. However, they are now on the lookout for a replacement for Jabba, which has reached the end of his tenure.
Springfield farm home to the Brown family (image: Rob Haining)
But, in contrast to many bull breeders, Gavin will not be basing his future choice of stock bull on EBVs. “I look at the animal first, and if the figures happen to be good, then it’s a bonus,” he says. “Some people are inherently driven by figures. It’s what they trust, and in my opinion, they couldn’t be further from the truth, as the validity of those figures remains questionable. Why follow something that is 40% accurate?
Springfield Spike one of last year calve crop housed in the shed over winter (image: Rob Haining)
“There’s a happy medium between having two bulls of the same age, and one’s bigger and leaner as opposed to one that’s well fleshed but smaller in scale. One might be a few inches taller and the same weight, but on paper, they’ll look the same! “Study the animal and go for something with shape that puts on natural flesh and weight quickly, so it shows the potential for the meat side later. We want something that will get those weights early on, so it meets both the fat guys’ and the store boys’ criteria, because the potential is there. At the end of the day, your eye’s your merchant.”
The Simmental’s strong fertility and productivity are now making a real impact at Springfield. Calving difficulties are rare, and barren cows are almost unheard of. “We try to calf everything in late April and early May, with the bull left out for two turns to keep calving tight,” Gavin explains. “If they don’t hold or we have problems, then they’re culled. We have been extremely fortunate and have only ever had to cull one and that was for her age.”
Home grown silage is the staple diet of the herd (image: Rob Haining)
Cull cows are often flushed before sale to retain their superior genetics within the herd if they have been recognised as good breeders. “In our last run of bulls in February last year, we calved 26 cows with 16 bulls, of which 15 made it, and the rest were heifers. We only killed one in that batch, with the remainder averaging £8000,” he adds.
Halter training for sale entries Rebel and Reeves (image: Rob Haining)
Cows are housed from October until calving, then turned out to grass. Indoors, they are bedded on peat sourced from a neighbouring site, having previously relied on straw. Gavin calculates that peat is saving the farm around £3600 per month in material costs alone and says it is also more efficient in practice, with the shed now cleaned out every three weeks instead of using four bales of straw per day. “Using peat bedding on the run up to sales keeps cattle cleaner, as the dung falls straight off,” he says. “There are also fewer foot problems as moisture and heat are less of an issue in peat.” An added bonus is its value as an organic fertiliser. “We haven’t bought artificial manure for 10 years,” Gavin points out.
The Springfield herd of Simmental cattle were founded in 2014 (image: Rob Haining)
Stock is fed a straightforward diet of haylage until the weather and grass allow turnout, but never before May. Weaning takes place at 10 months, with all calves reared on Davidsons Ultimate Top Blend. The aim is always to promote beef production rather than pedigrees. “That’s your breadwinner,” he says. “If you happen to get one that’s a pedigree breeder’s animal, that’s brilliant, but that’s not what we’re aiming for.
Springfield Rebel is Lot: 478 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
We try to keep it completely commercial by running a simple system. “This blend can be fed from weaning right through to selling and is used for both beef and sheep rearing.” He is careful not to push his bulls, describing it as ‘a very fine balance getting everything right’, for an uncomplicated system. Typically, two or three females are retained annually as herd replacements, with any surplus heifers sold for breeding. Bulls are sold either through United Auctions’ Stirling Bull Sales in February or May, or privately from home.
Recently built shed to house the cows over winter (image: Rob Haining)
Gavin is now building a reputation and sells four to six bulls privately each year. “We try to muster somewhere between eight and 14 bulls to go to the February and May Stirling sales,” he says. The Springfield herd has already posted some strong sale results, with their best to date being 13,500gns for Springfield Pace sold to a commercial breeder in Orkney.
Springfield Rebel is Lot: 478 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
Across private and market sales last year, bulls averaged £7000. “I rarely sell bulls which reach the teens in value; however, I would rather sell all my stock to average £7000 than sell one at £20,000 and five to the killing house,” says Gavin. Looking ahead to the May sales, the couple will have two senior bulls forward, both sons of Islavale Jabba. Springfield Rebel, a July 2024-born bull, is out of the 15-year-old Woodhall Clinique, one of the herd’s foundation cows, while 22-month-old Springfield Reeves is out of the homebred Springfield Kiana.
Last year’s heifer crop, currently housed with the last years bulls in the neighbouring pen (image: Rob Haining)
Away from the sale ring, Springfield Simmentals have also become a formidable force in the show ring, enjoying notable success at calf shows over the years. Showing has undoubtedly helped raise the herd’s profile. “We like to take cattle to LiveScot at Lanark, which we’ve won twice, Borderway Agri Expo, where we’ve been overall champion once and reserve twice, and Stars of the Future Calf Show, overall champion once and reserve once,” Gavin comments.
Springfield Reeves is Lot: 477 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
The couple has also tasted success at the Next Gen V Simmental show and sale at Carlisle, and they regularly support the Royal Highland Show, as well as their local Dalkeith and Peebles Shows. Demand for Springfield Simmentals remains strong, and the Browns are optimistic about the future.
“Some of our stock has already made its way into other pedigree herds, with females bought by notable breeders,” says Gavin. “When we started, we expected it to take 10 years for us to establish ourselves and be recognised. But thanks to Facebook, we hit the mark somewhere between seven and eight years. I can’t think how many thousands of pounds’ worth we’ve put out through Facebook and cattle and sheep sales. “Never underestimate the power of social media,” he concluded.
The Browns run 4 holiday pods with a further two getting fitted out to be placed onsite soon (image: Rob Haining)
FARM FACTS
■ Farm acreage – Springfield, near Penicuik, runs to 300 acres – 200 acres of grazing and 100 of woodland.
■ History – Gavin and Anna bought Springfield in 2010.
■ Farm Labour – Gavin, Anna and one full-time man, Fraser Kay, who also works with Sportsmasters, a company owned by Gavin and Anna, which constructs and maintains artificial and natural sports surfaces.
■ Stock – a herd of 30 pedigree Simmental females, eight Simmental cross females, 14 Highland cattle, 200 commercial sheep and 30 pure Suffolks.
■ Calving – Takes place indoors in late April, early May, with cattle on a peat bed and fed on grass and haylage.
■ Diversification – six rental pods, a meat retailing business, two wind turbines and a 16-horse livery.
ON THE SPOT
■ Best investment – Islavale Jabba
■ Biggest achievement – being shortlisted in the Farming Awards for Farm Diversification of the year.
■ Best advice – Alan Jackson once said, calves are feeders, not for shelter!
■ Top tips – Train animals when they are young if you have the time. Go with your gut and trust in it. No regrets, just bad experiences you learn from!
by Nicky Moreton | Mar 9, 2026 | 2026 Midlands News
In results released for the 2025 competition, the Blackpool herd lifted a series of awards and which included: Overall Herd Winners; Medium Herd Winners; Best Cow Family; Best Maiden Heifers; and Best In-Calf Heifers. A tremendous performance amidst some strong competition.
Commenting on the Blackpool Simmental cattle, the Midlands Simmental herd competition judge, Dafydd Jones of the noted Banwy herd, Maesllmystyn, Foel, Welshpool, said: “The Blackpool herd was just very consistent with quality from the calves, through the heifers, and all the way into the cows. Some tremendous Simmental cattle with a great temperament, and a credit to David and Christine. It was pleasure to judge the Midlands Simmental Herd competition and the standard was really high. The Simmental breed in the Midlands region is in very good shape.”
The Blackpool herd of Simmentals was established in 2007 and presently comprises of 25 cows.
Results of the 2025 Midlands Simmental herd Competition:
Small Herd
1 – Storersmith
2 – Forsdale
3 – Ashes & Fishpool (equal)
Medium Herd
1 – Blackpool
2 – Star Green
3 – Harrop
Large Herd
1 – Wroxall
Overall Herd
1 – Blackpool
2 – Star Green
Cow family
1 – Blackpool (Hosanna)
2 – Star Green (Dappy)
3 – Forsdale (Anemone)
Stockbull
1 – Storersmith (Storersmith Navarone)
2 – Forsdale (Wroxall Nescafe)
3 – Wroxall (Coose Pat)
Maiden Heifers
1 – Blackpool
2 – Storersmith
3 – Wroxall
In-calf heifers
1 – Blackpool
2 – Storersmith
3 – Star Green
Best calf 2025
1 – Stargreen Sally
2 – Wroxall Scarlett Zilla
3 – Blackpool Samantha
by Nicky Moreton | Mar 1, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Midlands News, 2026 News
The Smith family have ensured their suckler finishing enterprise is future proofed with purebred Simmentals at the heart of their Herefordshire based mixed farming business.
“Simmentals are playing a significant role – they fit our circular system being well suited to maximising our resources – permanent pasture, straw and potatoes,” Bill explains. “The herd also fits in with the unit’s arable workload and equally important, it is delivering essential profit.
Fact file
Bill Smith, Leominster, Herefordshire: farming in partnership with his wife, Nicky and son, Jack
500ha arable
100ha grassland
150 commercial Simmental breeding females
“The herd additionally provides job satisfaction; we enjoy a non-profitable summer evening looking around the cows and consider just how lucky we are,” he says.
“However, the breed’s future on this unit is over to pedigree breeders, they need to keep maintaining the Simmental’s dual-purpose balance – maintaining milkiness and with no expense to growth. And while the sector has to focus on production efficiency to achieve affordable beef, it must not lose sight of taste.”
The Smith’s breeding strategy for the last quarter of a century has specifically featured females with good temperament, ones that thrive off forage-based diets and are capable of leaving progeny that demonstrate real performance efficiency.
“The majority of the herd calves with minimal intervention within the first two cycles from March onwards,” he explains. Cows and calves are turned out shortly afterwards on to land around the farm that’s only regarded as suitable for grazing – permanent pasture, historic parkland and areas prone to flooding. Calves are weaned and housed at an average seven months with bulls averaging 380kg and heifers 330kg.
Bulls are on target to achieve an overall 1.5kg DLG from weaning to kill at 15 to 16 months, 380kg to 400kg with a 55% KO and the majority within the U- specification. That performance level is achieved from an ad lib finishing diet based on maize silage and homegrown cereals, beans and potatoes introduced on housing.
Similarly, heifers average 1.0kg DLG from weaning to 20 to 22-month slaughter. After overwintering indoors on a forage-based diet, they’re grazed for a second season and introduced to a finishing diet, similar to the bulls, for a short period to reach the 380kg to 390kg target and KO 54%. Conformation target is ‘better than R’ while the majority grade within the U- bracket.
“We sell our cattle deadweight to ABP to ensure they go direct from the farm to the abattoir. Spring 2025 the bulls were coming to approximately £2700 per head, and the heifers around £2600 per head.”
To maintain the breeding cows and heifers in BCS 3 to 3.5 during the winter housing period, they are fed grass silage and ad lib straw supplemented with minerals.
The Smith’s beef enterprise is very much a family affair with Nicky responsible for all the paperwork and Jack taking responsibility with Bill for the calving duties. “We used to run a Hereford cross Friesian suckler herd, however we found sourcing quality replacements was becoming too much of a challenge. We agreed to develop a closed herd and restock with a beef cow that had an innate ability to look after and rear her own calf, have a reasonable amount of milk without issues, demonstrate docility and have cull cow value. Simmental was our first choice.
“We established the herd in 2000 with cattle from a local Simmental herd and since then it’s grown to 150 breeding females. Numbers are however influenced by the fact we are located in a TB hot spot which also rules out selling stores,” he says.
“We continue to carefully select sires by eye – bulls with length together with good temperament and the ability to leave progeny that will finish to both our target weights and within specification. We go to Stirling with a commercial budget and our most recent sires include from Wroxall, Kilbride and Denzies.
“Heifer replacement selection is based on the dam’s history for calving ease, together with conformation and motherability. Pelvic measurements help us to fine tune which heifers are to be retained. They’re sufficiently grown for first breeding at 14 to 15 months to an average 400kg to 450kg to hit our target to calve at two years.”
Bill continues: “Being honest, farming a sole beef enterprise here would not be realistic, however since our main enterprise is potatoes grown on contract for McCains along with some cereals, like so many units, we have land that’s only suited to grazing or for silage and the mix enables us to operate a successful circular farming system.
“Farming Simmental cattle is part of that strategy; they suit the system. Straw bedding helps to create the FYM which in turn minimises purchased inputs, and it contributes to looking after the soil, while seasonal labour requirements tie in nicely with the arable enterprises. The cattle enterprise is able to stand on its own two feet, a critical aspect to our farming business when support payments are no longer readily available.”
Herd KPIs
Two-year calving
95% heifer scan
90% cow scan
90% + calving within the first two cycles
100% reared (predominance of twins)
625kg mature body weight
Six calf crops
by Nicky Moreton | Feb 26, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 Aberdeen Sales, 2026 News
- Auchorachan to 11,800gns; Pitmudie to 11,000gns
- Nine Simmentals average £8,960, up by £1190, and a new centre record average
- 100% clearance of Simmental bulls forward
Islavale Ringo from WS Stronach, Berrleys, Grange, Keith, made 13,000gns to lead the Simmental Sale and top the all-breeds price at the Multi-Breed Aberdeen Spring Show & Sale at Thainstone, today Wednesday 25th February.
13,000gns Islavale Ringo
In the morning pre-sale show, in front of the judge, David Barclay, Tullo of Garvock, Laurencekirk, this March 2024 born bull had won the Overall Simmental Championship.
Islavale Ringo is sired by Coose Lincoln EX 95, and is out of Islavale Viva 5 VG 88. With a depth of pedigree, classified, and with top figures, Ringo is in the breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease Direct; and the top 10% for Maternal (Milk), and Eye Muscle Area. Come sale time this stylish bull quickly moved to five figures before being knocked down to W&V Leith, North Crannoch, Keith for the all-breeds sale top price.
For the prolific Islavale herd, the 13,000gns represented a top price to date for the herd at Aberdeen, and is also the fourth time in five years they have topped the Simmental trade at this fixture. The top price continues a tremendous sale season for the herd that has included a quality team of nine Islavale bulls selling at Stirling to average a mighty £18,200, and with the joint top price at 30,000gns. Included within these bulls was another Coose Lincoln EX 95 son at 19,000gns.
The sale at Aberdeen again saw a strong demand for Simmental bulls with all nine forward selling to average £8960, up by £1190, and setting a new Simmental centre record average for this sale. Three bulls in all made over 10,000gns, and with all of the bulls going to commercial buyers.
11,800gns Auchorachan Reagan
Selling at 11,800gns was the August 2024 born Auchorachan Reagan 24 (TM), from D&R Durno & Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. This ‘very correct, and well-muscled’ Simmental bull is from the first crop of bulls by Hemingford Nelson who is a half-brother to the 56,000gns record price Hemingford Prince Charming. Out of Auchorachan Kay VG 86, a big daughter of Auchorachan AC/DC, Auchorachan Reagan also carried strong figures being in the breed’s top 5% for 400, and 600 day weight, and being +8 for Maternal (Milk). In the pre-sale show this bull had placed as the day’s Simmental Overall Reserve. Purchasing this bull was D&A Bruce, Dorsell, Alford, Aberdeenshire. The 11,800gns was also a highest Simmental price to date for the Auchorachan herd at Aberdeen.
11,000gns Pitmudie Rambo
Selling at 11,000gns was Pitmudie Rambo 24 from Heather Duff, Pitmudie Farm, Menmuir, By Brechin, Angus. April 2024 born, this bull is by Coolcran Maximus, a previous NI National Show Male Champion, and is out of Pitmudie Erica 4th, an Overhill House Eragon daughter. Buying this bull was N&S Innes, Cairnhill, Huntly. Consistently bringing out some quality Simmental bulls, this was the third sale in a row where Pitmudie Simmental bulls have sold into five figures. The 11,000gns was a joint top sale price for the herd, and the highest price to date made at the Aberdeen Sale. Later in the sale the Pitmudie herd also sold Pitmudie Rooney 24 (TM), an Auchorachan King Kong 19 son, out of another Overhill House Eragon daughter, Pitmudie Lavender, for 7000gns to WLR Keir, Braemorlich, Glenkindie, Alford.
Setting the Simmental Sale off on the front foot was the first bull in the ring, Tillyeve Rolex from Messrs C&M Bruce, Tillyeve, Udny, Ellon. This March 2024 bull is by Corrick Logic and is out of Tillyeve Lexy. Carrying strong performance figures, this bull is in the breed’s top 5% for 200, 400, and 600 day weight; and in the breed’s top 15% for Maternal (Milk). Heading off to Orkney, Tillyeve Rolex was bought by Messrs J&M Smith, Lower Cornquoy, Holm, Orkney.
Other Simmental Prices:
7000gns Glenlossie Roger to M Thomson, Ospisdale, Dornoch, Sutherland
7000gns Drumsleed Rory to Alexander Farms, Clunycrichton, Banchory
7000gns Drumsleed Randall to J Watson, Overton, Pitsligo, Fraserburgh
5800gns Delfur Rambo to Sootywells Farm, Fordoun, Laurencekirk
by Nicky Moreton | Oct 10, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 Market Briefs, 2025 News, 2025
Sales at Thainstone, UA Stirling, Caledonian Marts, Lanark, Ayr, Newton Stewart, Quoybrae, and Dumfries featured.
Moving round the UK, we’re back in Scotland and looking at markets across Scotland in this last two to three weeks and where flexible, efficient Simmentals continue to top commercial sale sections.
Giving you milk and maternal, easy calving, super temperament, growth, leading age at slaughter, and leading daily carcase gain, there’s so much more to Simmental!
Lawrie & Symington’s sale of 144 cattle on 6th October included a section of 80 cast cows. Leading the way in the section was a Simm from Traquair at £2290.
HUNCHAQUOY SIMM STORE HEIFER TO £2550, 508ppk
At Thainstone on 3rd October, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 1050 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned calves. Heifers (222) averaged 405p and sold to 508p per kg for a 502kg Simmental Cross from Hunchaquoy, Swannay.
£2984 PRIME SIMM HEIFER AT THAINSTONE
Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 75 prime cattle at Thainstone on 2nd October. Prime heifers (25) sold to £2984.10 gross for a 870kg Simmental Cross from 4 Kirkview, Lumphanan.
GREENWALL SIMM BULLOCKS TO £2400 AT STIRLING
On 1st October, United Auctions sold 1796 store cattle, 199 out of spec cattle, and 146 rearing cattle. In the bullocks Simm prices included: Greenwall £2400, Newbigging of Craighall 459.10p, Balegreggan £2360, Stoneyburns 442.40p, Torbrex £2340, Newbigging of Craighall 438.40p, Greenwall £2330, and Kirkland 438.40p 438.30p. Simm heifers saw: Torbrex £2440 £2380, Torbrex 513.70p 499.00p 429.90p.
£5100 TOWIEMORE SIMM HEIFER WITH CALF AT FOOT
Aberdeen & Northern Marts sale of breeding cattle at Thainstone on 1st October saw Simmental heifers with calves at foot from EM Smith & Sons, Towiemore, Keith sold to a fantastic £5100 with others at £4950, and £4900 (x2). Simm X heifers with calves from Towiemore made £4950; £4850; and £4750. Simmental x heifers with calves at foot from W&M Ewing, South Blachrie, Fyvie sold to £5050 and with others at £4900 (X2); £4850 (X2); £4800; & £4600 (X2). Messrs Marty, Wester Bleaton, Bridge of Cally had the top price in the Cows with calves section of £4900 for a Simm with a Lim cross bull calf.
BINZIAN SIMM SUCKLED CALVES TO £400, ORMSARY TO 484.7ppk
Autumn born suckled calves on fire at United Auctions, Stirling on 29th September. Binzian Farm, Perth had pens of Simm bullocks, 12 months old or less, at £2400, and £2300 per head, and to 478.10ppk. Ormsary had Simm bullocks sell for 484.70ppk, and had Simm heifers sell to 569.90, & 504.20p. Binzian had Simm heifers, again 12 months or less, to £2300. Quote: “Nothing puts weight into calves like the Simmental cow, or bull for that matter!”
KMB FARMERS SIMM STORE BULLOCKS TO 545.8ppk
C&D Auctions held their fortnightly sale of Store Cattle in Dumfries on 29th September 2025 with 500 forward. Bullocks to 545.8p/kg for Simms from KMB Farmers, Ardlamy, and to £2460 gross with a Simmental from Somerville.
Lawrie & Symington’s primestock sale on 29th September at Lanark, saw young bulls topped at 350ppk for a Simm from East Merkland, and £2436 gross.
2850 MOSSIDE SIMM STORE BULLOCK LEADS THAINSTONE
On 26th September at Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 863 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned Calves. Bullocks (319) sold to £2850 gross for a 904kg Simmental Cross from Mosside, Fyvie. Heifers (244) averaged 409.5p and sold to £2500 gross twice. Firstly for a 558kg Simmental Cross and secondly for a 652kg Simmental Cross from Essil, Garmouth.
NEWTON STEWART STORES LED BY SIMMS AT 475ppk
On Friday 26th Sptember, Craig Wilson Ltd sold 742 store cattle at Newton Stewart. Sale was topped, price per kilo, at 475p k/g for Simmental Crosses from Mr A Henry, Barrachan Farm, with others at 471p, 451p, and 425p.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 984 Store Cattle at their sale in Ayr on 25th September. 405 Heifers Averaged 393.27p or £1786.64, with heifers peaking at £2500 for a Simmental off Stoopshill.
BERRYLEYS YOUNG SIMM BULL TO £3038.75
Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 122 prime cattle at Thainstone on 25th September. Young bulls saw Berryleys, Grange achieve £3085.25 with a Simm; with Newton of Savoch attaining £3038.75 for a Simm X.
ALMONT SIMM STORE HEIFERS TO £2420 496.90ppk AT STIRLING
At Stirling on 24th September, United Auctions sold 1671 store cattle and 140 out of spec cattle, cast cows, and bulls. Bulls were topped at £2710 for a 840kg Simm from Northfield. In the store bullocks, Simm prices included: Stoneyburn £2300, Sunnycroft 472.00p, Mollandhu £2290, Borgue House 438.60p, Wester Mye £2280, and Sunnycroft 438.40p. Simm heifers saw: Almont £2420, Almont 496.90p, Ormsary £2380, Ormsary 480.80p, Mollandhu £2360, Blackcruik 454.80p, Ryeflatt £2260 £2250 £2180, Ormsary 451.90p, and Strone £2180 .
SIMM HEIFER STIRKS TO £1860 AT AYR
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 124 calves and stirks on 23rd September at Ayr. In the stirks, heifers to £1860 for a Simmental Cross off Messrs Gilmour, Brownhill. Simmental Bull calves to £880 and £860 for Simm X from Drumachloy, with Simm heifer calves from the same home to £820.
At Quoybrae on 22nd September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 582 store cattle. Bullocks 351-400kg Lower Milton, Wick (Simm X) 480.8p.
Lanark’s primestock day on 22nd September included a sale of 80 cast cows which was topped at 316ppk for a Simm from Westtown farm, Stonehouse.
At Stirling and Caledonian Marts sale of prime cattle and OTM cattle, OTMs sold to 307p per kg for a Simmental from W Duff, Whitehill and to £2740 for a Simmental from I D Johnston, Kirkton.
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