by Nicky Moreton | Oct 24, 2024 | Uncategorised
Bringing a busy Simmental Sale day to a close on Monday 21st October at Stirling, was the Production Sale from the 80-cow Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Ulnes, Nr Leyland Lancashire that saw highlight prices of 8000gns, 7000gns, and 6000gns.
Denizes Matilda 6th & 20th 8,000gns
Topping the sale, and with the 8000gns joint leading female price of the day, was the May 2020 born Denizes Matilda 6th (ET) who was purchased with her first calf at foot, the April 2024 born Denizes Matilda 20th, sired by Hiltonstown Lorenzo 20. Denizes Matilda 6th is sired by Denizes Impressive who was sold to the Popes herd for 10,000gns and is out of the noted Raceview Beauty Matilda. Purchasing this outfit, with Matilda 6th being back in calf, was Sam Steggles for his growing 40-cow Wacton pedigree herd at Honingham, Norfolk. Commenting, Sam Steggles said: “Coming to Stirling we had seen the pictures of this outfit and really liked the Raceview breeding in the pedigree. In the flesh we thought the heifer calf was terrific, perhaps the best in the market, and she has all the potential to go on and be an outstanding female. We’re thrilled to introduce Matilda 6th into the herd with the breeding behind her, and with the potential she brings.”
Denizes Melody 22nd and 62nd 7,000gns
Selling at 7000gns was the nine-year-old Denizes Melody 22nd who was sold with her April 2024 heifer calf at foot, Denizes Melody 62nd, a Hiltonstown Lorenzo daughter. Melody 22nd is by Bosahan Dynamo 12, and is out of the Ashland Tornado sired Denizes Melody 10th. Melody 22nd has had progeny at 7000gns, and her grandson Denizes New Orleans sold for 22,000gns at Stirling in May this year. With Denizes Melody 22nd PD’d in-calf, this outfit was purchased by James Hodge for his establishing Goldstar herd at Dundonald, Ayrshire. Speaking afterwards James Hodge said: “We’re establishing a pedigree herd and Denizes Melody 22nd along with her heifer calf brings a depth of breeding and with the potential of a foundation female. Melody 22nd is fresh looking for her age, with great maternal characteristics.”
Denizes Trixie-Belle 24th 6,000gns
At 6000gns was the top priced maiden heifer in the shape of the June 2023 born Denizes Trixi-Belle 24th. This heifer’s maternal brothers include the 20,000gns Denizes Monty, and the 10,000gns Denizes Impressive. Sired by saltire Impressive 17 and out of Denizes Trixi-Belle 6th, this heifer was also purchased by Sam Steggles who said: “Again this is a flashy heifer with plenty of style that we really liked. There’s a depth of breeding as well that will also be new to the herd. Trixi-Belle 24th ticked a lot of boxes for us and we hope she will go on and be part of the Wacton herd show team next year.”
by Nicky Moreton | Oct 24, 2024 | 2024, 2024 North West News, 2024 Scottish News, 2024 Other Sales, 2024 Stirling Sales, 2024 News
- 15 cows & calves average £5474
- 2 In-calf heifers average £6,195
- 3 Maiden heifers average £5250
- Sale grosses £110,250
- Denizes Production Sale tops at 8000gns, 7000gns, and 6000gns
Finishing with more than a flourish, the full and final Dispersal Sale of the Broombrae Simmental herd of Gordon Clark, Broombrae Farm, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Fife met with a tremendous trade in front of a packed ringside of buyers at United Auctions, Stirling on Monday 21st October.
Leading the way was two cow and calf units, each at 8000gns. With almost all of the lots, cows and calves, and heifers, exceeding the 5000gns mark the Broombrae sale was arguably the strongest on a busy all-breeds day! The sale grossed an outstanding £110,250 for the 35 head in all and throughout the three days of the Stirling Sale, the pens had been busy with new and established breeders, from Orkney to Norwich, looking through the quality lots on offer.
Established in 1987, the herd was built around proven breeding lines and with a breeding aim to have healthy, easy managed cows with milk, good udders, and of good temperament. This shone through in the cattle presented which had a real consistency, freshness, were full of length, and doing a great job of their calves at foot. The cows, with their calves at foot, had all run with Newbiemains Nightrider from the end of May to September, and then with Coltfield Maciver.
Broombrae Delight R6 – daughter of Broombrae Delight L11, 8,000gns for the outfit.
The first of the outfits at 8000gns was the second calver Broombrae Delight L11 who was sold with her heifer calf at foot Broombrae Delight R6, sired by Coltfield Maciver 21. August 2020 born, Delight L11 is by the herd’s noted stock bull Lisglass Goldstar 15, and is out of the Corskie Copper daughter Broombrae Delight F4. With a Maternal (Milk) figure of +11, Broombrae Delight L11 with her heifer calf was purchased by Mr & Mrs L Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Dunbar, East Lothian for their Innerwick pedigree herd.
Broombrae Delight M20 and Delight R7 8,000gns
Also at 8000gns was another from the Delight line in the shape of Broombrae Delight M20, and sold with her April 2024 born Camus Harold sired heifer calf at foot, Broombrae Delight R7. Broombrae Delight M20 is also by Lisglass Goldstar, and is out of the Peasiehill Engelbert daughter Broombrae Delight H2. Buying this unit was Jim & Patricia Goldie for their Newbiemains herd at Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire. Of his top price purchase Jim Goldie said: “We saw the Broombrae animals the day before and picked out one or two including Broombrae Delight M20 and her calf. A lot of the cows forward had really nice calves at foot. Delight M20 is a good, well balanced correct cow, is back in calf to Newbiemains Nightrider so all being well will produce a quality calf in the spring. She has a good calf on her at present and which we might have a look to show next year.”
The sire of the top two prices, Lisglass Goldstar, featured heavily in the sale and has been an influential sire in the herd with numerous bulls into five figures having sold into pedigree and commercial herds. Lisglass Goldstar was also voted Simmental Champion of Europe in 2021!
Broombrae Delight K1 with calf Delight R3, 6,000gns for the outfit
At 7000gns, and continuing the demand for the Delight line, A&R Brownlie, Melrose, Roxs purchased the March 2019 born Broombrae Delight K1, sold with her Camus Harold sired March 2024 born heifer calf Broombrae Delight R3 at foot, for their Sylvestris pedigree herd. This cow, again a third calver, and with a Maternal (Milk) figure of +11, is sired by Corskie Elgin, a Greencap Ace son. Later in the day, Broombrae Delight N23 (P), a daughter of Delight K1, made 5800gns.
Two lots sold at 6000gns. The first of these was the August 2021 born first calved heifer Broombrae Rosina M13, who was sold with her heifer calf at foot, Broombrae Rosina R5 sired by Coltfield Maciver. Broombrae Rosina M13, who had a Maternal (Milk) figure of +12, is another by Lisglass Goldstar, and is out of Broombrae Rosina E40 who was the top price at the herd’s sale in February this year. Purchasing this outfit was Binn Agricultural Ltd, Glenfarg, Perthshire.
Broombrae Delight N22 6,000gns
Also at the 6000gns mark was the top price heifer in the sale, Broombrae Delight N22. Yet another by Lisglass Goldstar, this heifer sold as PD’d in calf, is out of Broombrae Delight I15 and carried a Maternal (Milk) figure of +10. Champion at Fife Show this summer, Broombrae Delight N22 heads to Orkney having been purchased by JD Flett, Stank Farm, Stromness.
Broombrae Delight H13 5,800gns
The catalogue ‘cover girl’ and described as ‘probably the best breeding cow for sale’ was Broombrae Delight H13 who made 5800gns when selling with her sixth calf at foot, the April 2024 born Camus Harold sired heifer calf Broombrae Delight R9. The March 2016 born Delight H13 is sired by Peasiehill Engelbert 13, and is out of the Team Wisconsin daughter Broombrae Delight F13. Broombrae Delight H13 is the dam of Broombrae Major who sold to Cogent, Broombrae Nijinsky who sold to a top commercial herd, and also Broombrae Delight P10 who sold for 5000gns later in the catalogue. Purchasing this outfit was Gavin Brown for his Springfield pedigree herd at Penicuik, Midlothian.
Broombrae Delight N23 5,800gns
Also at the 5800gns mark was the aforementioned heterozygous polled in-calf heifer Broombrae Delight N23 (P). November 2022 born, this heifer is by Innerwick Logan (P), and is out of the 7000gns Broombrae Delight K1 (sold earlier in the sale). Buying this lot was Michael Halligan for his Netherstewarton herd at Eddleston, Peebles.
OTHER LEADING BROOMBRAE PRICES
5,200gns Lot 642 Broombrae Snowdrop M17 & bull calf Radar 24 sold to Macfarlane Farms Ltd, Quixwood Farm, Duns, Berwickshire
5,200gns Lot 648 Broombrae Lorey K10 & heifer calf Lorey R1 sold to G D Key & Son, Mundham, Norwich
5,000gns Lot 643 Broombrae Rosina I21 & bull calf Rocky 24 sold to T Clark & Sons, Abbey Farm, Madderty, Crieff
5,000gns Lot 659 Broombrae Harriet P2 sold to AJR Farms Ltd, Milton of Collieston, Ellon, Aberdeenshire
5,000gns Lot 660 Broombrae Delight P10 sold to O J & J M Barker, Easter Yardhouses, Carnwath, Lanark
5,000gns Lot 661 Broombrae Harriet P13 sold to D & S Calder, Braes of Grandtully, Aberfeldy, Perthshire
8000GNS DENIZES MATILDA 6TH TOPS HERD PRODUCTION SALE
Bringing a busy Simmental Sale day to a close on Monday 21st October at Stirling, was the Production Sale from the 80-cow Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Ulnes, Nr Leyland Lancashire that saw highlight prices of 8000gns, 7000gns, and 6000gns.
Denizes Matilda 6th & 20th 8,000gns for the outfit
Topping the sale, and with the 8000gns joint leading female price of the day, was the May 2020 born Denizes Matilda 6th (ET) who was purchased with her first calf at foot, the April 2024 born Denizes Matilda 20th, sired by Hiltonstown Lorenzo 20. Denizes Matilda 6th is sired by Denizes Impressive who was sold to the Popes herd for 10,000gns and is out of the noted Raceview Beauty Matilda. Purchasing this outfit, with Matilda 6th being back in calf, was Sam Steggles for his growing 40-cow Wacton pedigree herd at Honingham, Norfolk. Commenting, Sam Steggles said: “Coming to Stirling we had seen the pictures of this outfit and really liked the Raceview breeding in the pedigree. In the flesh we thought the heifer calf was terrific, perhaps the best in the market, and she has all the potential to go on and be an outstanding female. We’re thrilled to introduce Matilda 6th into the herd with the breeding behind her, and with the potential she brings.”
Denizes Melody 22nd and 62nd 7,000gns
Selling at 7000gns was the nine-year-old Denizes Melody 22nd who was sold with her April 2024 heifer calf at foot, Denizes Melody 62nd, a Hiltonstown Lorenzo daughter. Melody 22nd is by Bosahan Dynamo 12, and is out of the Ashland Tornado sired Denizes Melody 10th. Melody 22nd has had progeny at 7000gns, and her grandson Denizes New Orleans sold for 22,000gns at Stirling in May this year. With Denizes Melody 22nd PD’d in-calf, this outfit was purchased by James Hodge for his establishing Goldstar herd at Dundonald, Ayrshire. Speaking afterwards James Hodge said: “We’re establishing a pedigree herd and Denizes Melody 22nd along with her heifer calf brings a depth of breeding and with the potential of a foundation female. Melody 22nd is fresh looking for her age, with great maternal characteristics.”
Denizes Trixie-Belle 24th 6,000gns
At 6000gns was the top priced maiden heifer in the shape of the June 2023 born Denizes Trixi-Belle 24th. This heifer’s maternal brothers include the 20,000gns Denizes Monty, and the 10,000gns Denizes Impressive. Sired by saltire Impressive 17 and out of Denizes Trixi-Belle 6th, this heifer was also purchased by Sam Steggles who said: “Again this is a flashy heifer with plenty of style that we really liked. There’s a depth of breeding as well that will also be new to the herd. Trixi-Belle 24th ticked a lot of boxes for us and we hope she will go on and be part of the Wacton herd show team next year.”
by Nicky Moreton | Oct 23, 2024 | 2024 North West News, 2024 Northern Ireland News, 2024 Scottish News, 2024 Stirling Sales, 2024 News, 2024
- 28,000gns Kilbride Farm bull a joint NI Simmental record
- Top price also the record for a homozygous polled bull
- 19 bulls sell at 7000gns and over
- 49 bulls sold through the ring to £7434
The homozygous polled bull Kilbride Farm Prince 23 (PP) from WH Robson & Sons, Doagh, Ballyclare, sold for 28,000gns to lead the Simmental trade, and take the all-breeds top price, at United Auctions, Stirling on Monday 21st October. The 28,000gns, which is the top all-breeds price at Stirling this year, is also a joint record for a Northern Irish Simmental bull.
Sale top price, and Reserve Intermediate Champion, Kilbride Farm Prince 28,000gns in the pre-sale show the previous day, this April 2023 born bull had stood as Reserve Intermediate Champion under the judge, Neil McIlwaine of the noted Corrick herd, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone, after having been placed first in his class.
Newly elected BSCS President Chris Martindale, left, with judge Neil McIlwaine
Combining visual, pedigree, and performance, Kilbride Farm Prince 23 (PP) is entirely homebred being by Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P), and out of Kilbride Farm Fanni 68J (P), a Kilbride Farm Gruffalo daughter. With terrific performance figures, Prince 23 (PP) had a top 1% Maternal (Milk) figure of +13, the joint highest in the catalogue, and top 5% figures for growth and Terminal, and top 10% for Self-Replacing. Come sale time this bull quickly went through the sale gears before being knocked down to the 80-cow Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. Commenting afterwards John Barlow said: “This is just a tremendous bull in himself and the best homozygous polled bull we’ve seen. He just ticked so many boxes having a ‘wow factor’ in himself, but having the figures and pedigree to match, and of course being polled, a trait which there is increasing demand for. We’d seen his picture on Facebook and we liked him even more when we saw him in the flesh. From here we’ll look to use him on Denizes Hamish daughters, and in time Corskie Nugget daughters, but we’re excited to have him and to see his progeny in due course.”
For the noted 100 cow Kilbride Farm herd, who over the years have had numerous high prices, and seven Overall Supremes at both Perth and Stirling, it was a top price for the herd to date eclipsing the 22,000gns for Kilbride Farm Foreman in 2016, and of course a joint record for a Simmental bull from Northern Ireland. Speaking on behalf of the Kilbride Farm team, Norman Robson who was on the same weekend the outgoing President of the British Simmental Cattle Society after a two year term, said: “Having introduced the polled gene slowly, and at the same time maintaining the qualities that the herd is known for, it has been a goal for some 30 years to breed a homozygous polled bull of this quality. We’re delighted with the sale today and hope Kilbride Farm Prince 23 (PP) goes on to breed well in his new home.” The sire of Prince 23 (PP), Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P), has previously bred bulls to 13,000gns x 2, and in 2023 was the Male Champion in the Society’s popular Virtual Show.
The sale itself saw 49 bulls sold through the ring, and 53 in all, to average £7434. Six bulls made over five figures, and nineteen in total were sold at 7,000gns or more. The top price aside, the sale was dominated by commercial producers competing for the first quality bulls of their choice. Speaking after the sale, the incoming BSCS President Chris Martindale who runs the noted Forsdale herd at Coedfa, Oswestry, Shropshire said: “There continues to be a real confidence in the Simmental breed at present, and it’s great to see the strength in the sale today again being driven by commercial producers. With a focus on efficiency, added value, and performance, the Simmental maternal traits of milk, easy calving, fertility, temperament, and producing growthy, easy fleshing calves year on year, are a foundation benchmark that producers are very much looking for in their suckler herds. We would of course have liked to have seen more bulls sold today but the numbers are perhaps reflective of where these backend sales are at present and with the pressures we’re seeing on cow numbers in the industry generally.”
Overall Supreme Champion, and Senior Champion, Popes Premier 15,000gns
There was a huge ringside roar when Popes Premier was tapped out, and led by Jimmy Wood!
Selling at 15,000gns was the pre-sale Overall Supreme Champion in the shape of Popes Premier 23 from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston. Having won Class Two, followed by the Senior Championship, this January 2023 born bull literally raised the roof with a huge ringside roar of approval from the packed ringside crowd greeting the ‘judges tap’ in what was a hugely popular win and a special moment for Jimmy and Vikki at ringside, and the Wood family.
A bit of a theme at the sale, Popes Premier is again entirely homebred being by Popes Lethal Weapon and out of the multi title show winning, Popes Princess Immie, whose grand dam is the herd’s famous show cow, Popes Princess Cleo. In his own right last year, Popes Premier 23 won the Simmental Pedigree Calf Championship and National Pedigree Calf Show Interbreed, at the English Winter Fair. This year he won the Male Championship and Reserve Overall to his stablemate Popes Princess Noor, at the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show, and was Reserve Male Champion at the 2024 Simmental English National Show held within the Royal Lancashire. Commenting on his Overall Champion, the judge Neil McIlwaine said: “This bull in my mind is a high end breeder’s bull. He just stood out with his power, length and super locomotion. In prime condition he had great lines throughout, was full of breed character and showed himself so well on good legs. He’s one of the best Simmental bulls I’ve seen at Stirling.”
Going commercially, Popes Premier 23 was purchased by the noted Islay Estates, Bridgend, Isle of Islay. Islay Estates runs an extensive in-hand farming operation over a large area of the Estate. The farming practices and livestock on the ground vary as the land and topography ultimately dictate what is possible. Livestock are reared naturally on the hill and on the in-bye land, where they graze all year round.
Of winning the Supreme Championship and the Stirling Sale, Vikki Wood said: “It’s been an emotional weekend and we’re over the moon to have won the pre-sale show. Premier has been such an honest calf from day one, just a lovely bull to work with and a perfect gent. Sunday was very much the icing on the cake with him! We very much wish Islay Estates all the best with him”.
Junior Champion Islavale Private 12,500gns
Bringing another top team of bulls to Stirling was the prolific Islavale herd of WS Stronach & Son, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, who sold seven in all to gross £64,050, and average a mighty £9150. Included within that was the winner of the last class of the day and the Junior Champion, Islavale Private 23 who made 12,500gns when selling to Ayrshire and the commercial producer JH Logan & Co, Dalfask Farm, Girvan. Continuing the theme, this May 2023 born bull is entirely homebred being by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93 and is out of Islavale Keely EX 91. Speaking afterwards Michael Logan said:
“I hadn’t gone to the sale necessarily with the intention of buying and was actually running a wee bit late. But looking at the bulls beforehand this bull just really caught my eye. He had tremendous length and is a really strong, powerful bull for his age. We’ve purchased from Islavale previously and the bulls have done really well so we’re happy again to pay the price for a bull of this quality.” Islavale Private will be used in the Dalfask commercial herd which comprises of purebred Simmentals, Simmental x Salers, and Lim x Friesians.
In addition to the 12,500gns price further Islavale bulls made 11,000gns, 9500gns, 9000gns x 2, 6000gns, and 4000gns. Both the Junior Championship and Intermediate Championship was secured, along with the Reserve Overall, and with the herd also picking up the Group of Three award. The Junior Champion prize marked the fifth in a row the herd has won this title at February and October Stirling Sales. Another fantastic ‘day at the office’! The herd’s three top prices were all sired by the homebred Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93, his first sons at Stirling, and described as the best son of Corskie Highlander the herd has bred. This bull was also the sire of Islavale Peaches the Weaned Calf Champion at the 2023 Next Gen Sale who made 9000gns. Commenting generally on the day, Stewart Stronach said: “We’re very pleased with the day and to see a retained stock bull get on so well with his first progeny at Stirling. In terms of the bulls our aim remains to produce bulls from strong maternal lines that are not too extreme, with good growth figures and milk, that have length, good tops, and are square over their plates.”
Innerwick Phoenix 12,000gns
Selling at 12,000gns was Innerwick Phoenix 23 from Mr & Mrs L Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Dunbar, East Lothian. At the pre-sale show this April 2023 bull had stood second in his class to the Intermediate & Overall Reserve Champion. Sired by Greencap Jaeger 18, who was purchased by the Moffat’s from Stirling in October 2019, and who was Junior Male, Overall Junior, and Reserve Male Champion at the Royal Highland Show 2019, Innerwick Phoenix 23 is out of Innerwick Gazelle, a Lambclose Bacchus daughter. With good Terminal and Self replacing Indexes, this bull went north when purchased by W&J Brown, Hilton of Culsh, New Deer, Turriff.
Intermediate Champion and Reserve Overall Supreme Islavale Popeye 11,000gns
The Intermediate Champion and Reserve Overall Supreme was another from the Islavale team and in the shape of Islavale Popeye 23. This April 2023 born bull is another by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93 and is out of the second calver Islavale Keepsake (ET) VG 87. Making 11,000gns this bull was purchased by repeat buyer A& J Craig, Craigton, Castle Douglas who run 380 Simmental cross cows. Commenting, Stephen Williamson the herd manager said: “We’re delighted to get this bull and who has very good milk figures. We’ve purchased previously from Islavale and the bulls have gone on to leave a very strong base of cows in the herd.” Of his Overall reserve Champion the judge Neil McIlwaine said: “This was another terrific bull. Again he had plenty of power with great lines to him, width through the top, and depth through into his hindquarters. He moved extremely well and is a quality bull that could do both jobs.”
Kilbride Farm President 10,000gns
Following on from their top price sale, the Robson family were back in the money when selling the heterozygous polled bull Kilbride Farm President 23 (P) for 10,000gns to J Lawrie, Newton of Arbirlot, Arbroath, Angus. This April 2023 born bull is sired by the herd’s new stock bull Hiltonstown Lachlan, who is ‘breeding very well’ in the herd and is out of a Sneumgaard Imperator (PP) daughter, K F Eunice 245I (P), who has already bred Kilbride Farm Lancer (P), the Reserve Junior Champion at Stirling in February 2022. Another bull with top performance figures, Kilbride Farm President (P) is in the top 1% for Self-Replacing Index; top 5% for growth, and Terminal Index, and top 10% for milk.
Islavale Perseus 9500gns
Back to the Islavale pen and the March 2023 born Islavale Perseus made 9500gns when selling to the pedigree and commercial Garrison herd of DJ Cleland, Glebe Farm, Hereford. With both parents classified EX93, this bull again by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93, and out of Islavale Dream EX93, carried a joint top Maternal (Milk) figure of +13, and with Self replacing and Terminal Indexes in the top 5%, and top 1% respectively. Commenting afterwards Mr Cleland said: “We run 340 Simmental and Charolais crosses but with the aim to increase the Simmental influence. We were looking for a bull with good breeding behind him, performance figures, and who was darker in colour. This bull had all of that and a tremendous length and power to him. He’ll be used in due course within both our commercial and pedigree herds.”
Quarryhill Pablo 9000gns
Four bulls in all made 9000gns and the first of the was the winner of class three, Quarryhill Pablo 23 from Geoff & Kate Anderson, Wester Greens Farm, Lossiemouth. In September 2022, Geoff & Kate purchased Annick Desiree’s Joy EX 90, and her heifer calf at foot, for a combined 12,500gns. In calf to Kilbride Farm Karl 19 (P), Quarryhill Pablo 23 is the resulting calf. A good muscled bull with positive calving figures, this bull was bought by noted commercial producers J R Graham & Ptnrs, Greenshields, Biggar, Lanarkshire.
Delfur Pegasus 9000gns
Second prize in the same class, and again at 9000gns was the heterozygous polled bull Delfur Pegasus 23 (P) from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. This March 2023 born calf is by Woodhall Instinct 17, and out of Delfur Joy, an Islavale Cassius daughter. Another bull to go south, and to be used on both pedigree and commercial cows, Delfur Pegasus 23 was purchased by JW Gosmore & Partners, who run the Newton House herd of 120 head in all at Newton House Farm, Chester. Of Delfur Pegasus John Gosmore said: “I was looking for a bull with conformation and to use in our suckler herd of Simmental Limousin crosses, and also with the quality for the pedigree herd. This bull has the shape, has good feet and legs, walked extremely well, and looks to have a very good temperament which is important to us.”
Islavale Preston 9000gns
Islavale Pepe 9000gns
Two bulls from Islavale made 9000gns. The first at this mark was the March 2023 born Islavale Preston. This bull is Coose Lincoln, who has bred sons to 13,000gns, and is out of Islavale Glee. With a top 15% Calving Ease figure of +3.2, this bull was purchased by J Anderson & Son, Headshaw, Lauder, Berwickshire, for their predominantly Simmental herd of 135 suckler cows. Speaking afterwards James Anderson said: “We picked this bull out at the pre-sale show and are really pleased to have got him. He’s very correct, had a good top line, width and shape, and walked very well. With a good head and breed character, he just had a presence to him and he’s got good figures as well. The Simmental breed as a whole have very good maternal traits, are milky and make good mothers. This bull will go into the suckler herd for those qualities and to breed replacements for the future”. The final bull at the 9000gns mark was the third prize winner Islavale Pepe 23. March 2023 born, this bull is by Curaheen Giant, who has had sons up to 16,000gns, and is out of Islavale Ashley 7 GP84. This bull was bought by Robert Bell & Partners, Craigo, Milnathort, Kinross.
Reserve Supreme Champion Corskie Pot 8500gns
Standing second in his class to the Overall Supreme Champion and Senior Champion, and who himself was Reserve Senior Champion on the day, was Corskie Pot 23, from Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers. This January 2023 born bull is by Rathnashan Kellogg’s EX 94, and is out of Corskie Kettle EX 90. Purchasing Corskie Pot 23 was commercial producer W A Wilson, Hutlerburn, Ettrick, Selkirk. Rathnashan Kellogg’s EX94 has had progeny sell to date up to 9500gns at Stirling, and has sired the Overall Junior Champion at the Royal Highland, and the Reserve Male at this year’s Highland and Simmental Scottish National Shows. In addition to the 85000gns price, Corskie sold eight bulls on the day and with other prices including 7000gns, 6500gns x2, and 5500gns.
Scotland Hill Peter 8500gns
Up from Doncaster, Tom Hill, Mill Farm, Wadworth made 8500gns when selling the shapely Scotland Hill Peter 23 to Caithness and W M Barnetson & Sons, Lynegar Farm, Wick. April 2023 born, Scotland Hill Peter 23 is Clonagh Mighty Ab Fab, a Manor Park Hansome son, and is out of Scotland Hill Ivonne, a Glenturk Extra Special daughter.
Reserve Junior Champion Pitmudie Princeton
Winning class nine and taking the Reserve Junior Championship was the stylish Pitmudie Princeton 23 from Heather Duff, Pitmudie Farm, Menmuir, Brechin. April 2023 born, Pitmudie Princeton is by Hiltonstown Irish 17, and is out of Pitmudie Babe from the herd’s noted Manor Park Babe line. With a show track record behind him, through the summer this bull won the Reserve Beefbreeder Interbreed title at the Royal Highland and was Reserve Overall Junior Champion at the Simmental Scottish National Show. Hiltonstown Irish 17, was purchased at Stirling in October 2018 for 8500gns. Come sale time this bull was bid to 8500gns, not quite meeting the reserve, and with the Duffs thinking so much of him that he has been retained for use in the Pitmudie herd.
OTHER LEADING PRICES:
7,500gns Lot 245 Coltfield Philadelphia sold to J E & B L Goddard, West Logan, Castle Douglas
7,500gns Lot 198 Coltfield Peter sold to H H & A Swanson, Tister Farm, Halkirk, Caithness
Pitmudie Pitcairn 7200gns
7,200gns Lot 223 Pitmudie Pitcairn sold to A D Sutherland & Sons, Kellas Farm, Elgin, Morayshire
Ranfurly Principal 7000gns
7,000gns Lot 264 Ranfurly Principal sold to T G Hamilton, Killumpha Farm, Port Logan, Wigtonshire
Corskie Puma 7000gns
7,000gns Lot 176 Corskie Puma sold to H Macdonald, Mains of Dalvey, Advie, Morayshire
Inverdunning Parker 7000gns
7,000gns Lot 204 Inverdunning Parker sold to A & H Grant, Pathcondie Farm, Cupar, Fife
Overall Champion Popes Premier with the Wood family, judge Neil McIlwaine, Jonathan Gunn, and Galbraiths representative.
Senior Champion presentation
Intermediate Championship presentation
Junior Championship presentation
Islavale Group of 3 winners
by Nicky Moreton | Oct 11, 2024 | 2024, 2024 Market Briefs, 2024 News
Here is the third and final part of what has been a bumper month of Simmental market briefs for September, and featuring snippets from a mighty 33 markets around the UK. Markets highlighted in the month have included:
STIRLING; LANARK; CARLISLE; SEDGEMOOR; EXETER; THAINSTONE; DUNGANNON; HUNTLY; TIREE; TRURO; SKIPTON; BALLYMENA; MELTON MOWBRAY; BAKEWELL; GISBURN; CASTLE DOUGLAS; HEXHAM; LANCASTER; DUNGANNON; FROME; AYR; SALISBURY; HAILSHAM; DUMFRIES; HULL; SWATRAGH; PORTREE; MARKET DRAYTON; HOLSWORTHY; GARSTANG; TAVISTOCK; DARLINGTON; & QUOYBRAE
The Simmentals bread and butter is there well established maternal qualities of fertility, easy calving, milk in abundance, and ability to rear a quality calf year on year. As one commercial producer recently said: “Simmental is the ‘Tesla’ of upland suckler beef production!’
Establishing evidence based facts of the breed’s abilities, economic performance, and green credentials, analysis of AHDB data has shown Simmental gives beef producers more. Industry leading age at slaughter whether sired by a Simmental or out of a Simmental dam, significant reduction in finishing costs, and lower emissions meeting environmental challenges.
The ‘ultimate combination’ for Daily Carcase Gain has been shown as the progeny of a Simmental bull out of a Simmental dam, and with the highest rates of DCG, attained by both Continental and Natives sires, being for progeny out of Simmental dams.
These latest market briefs again highlight the all-round added value Simmentals can deliver as they top prime, store, breeding, suckled calf, rearing calf, and cull sections at the respective sales. Many of the other market leaders will be out of Simmental, and Simmental X dams.
Given these tremendous economics for beef producers, BSCS Norman Robson said in his recent report to breeders: “Our realistic aim should be to have a bit of Simmental in every suckler cow in the country.” There’s More to Simmental!
SIMMENTAL BULLOCK AT £2120 TOPS CARLISLE STORE SALE
At H&H’s sale of store cattle on 11th September at Borderway, Carlisle, all classes were a ferocious trade throughout with plenty buyers ringside ensuring vendors leave happy. Topping the day at £2120 was a Simmental bullock from Messrs Stewart, Craigour, Moffat.
In a sale of prime cattle at Frome on 11th September, best grade Simmental steers from WD Guley & Son topped at 295p/kg and £1884.
SIMMENTALS TOP STEERS & HEIFERS AT BORDERWAY WEANED CATTLE SALE 💥
Also on 11th September at Carlisle, Harrison & Hetherington held their weekly sale of weaned cattle where the 229 forward were rewarded with a fantastic trade. Leading the steers at £1560 was a single Simm from Mr Bewley, Lockerbie whose run of 7 went to average £1368.57. Heifers topped at £1400 for a Simmental again from Mr Bewley, Lockerbie.
In a sale of store cattle at Truro on 11th September, the youngest steers sold to £1290 for a cracking 13-month-old Simmental from N H Semmens & Son Ltd of St Levan, Penzance. On the same day, in calf Simmental x heifers topped their section at £1375 for Messrs R H & C D Care of St Buryan, Penzance with others from the same home at £1355.
At Lanark’s primestock sale on 9th September, beef cows topped at 299p per kg for a Simm from Muckraw.
In a small sale of OTM steers at Bakewell on 9th September the top price was £1738 for a Simm from R Wood, Middleton. The special entry of Simmental cattle from Storer Smith Simmentals attracted plenty of interest with cow and calf outfits to £2,550, in calf cows to £1,950 and maiden heifers to £1,580.
At Borderway’s Primestock Sale, Carlisle on 9th September, a 740kg Simmental heifer from Messrs Stamper, Rose Farm, Cockermouth sold for a mighty £2319.9 to feature in the leading prices. On the same day in the prime bulls, Simmentals from Messrs Marshall, Starlaw Farm, Bathgate sold to £2346.50 for 805kgs.
In a sale of cull cows at Exeter on 9th September, Simmentals topped the section with one from David Hoskin at £1425 (752kg x 190ppk) then a couple from Kathleen and Lewis Slade of Widecombe in the Moor drew £1301 (746kg x 175ppk).
In a sale of breeding cattle at Gisburn on 7th September, continental outfits sold well with Simmentals at £2120 for Brogden Farms. Feeding cattle were well bid for and sold to a high of £1290 for a Simmental cow from Stephen Duckworth.
SIMM CROSS HEIFER WITH CALF AT FOOT SELLS TO £4000 AT THAINSTONE
On 6th September at Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 799 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves & Breeding Cattle. Breeding Cattle sold to £4000 for a Simmental Cross Heifer with a Limousin Cross Heifer Calf from Upper Sauchen, Inverurie. On the same day and at a sale of 245 store cattle from Orkney consignors, bullocks sold to £178 gross for a 638kg Simmental from J&J Smith, Upper Cornquoy, Holm.
Hexham and Northern Marts held its weekly sale of 241 Store Cattle and Suckled Calves and the first sale of September (6th) did not disappoint. A small but mighty entry of young bulls saw Mr J J & JM Sanders, Bavington Hill Head have a run of Simmental and Simmental cross bulls that peaked at £1980.00 and levelled off at £1670.00.
At NWA’s Lancaster Mart on 6th September and a sale of cast and OTM cattle, beef stock bulls sold to £2044 for a Simmental.
SIMMENTALS AT £495 TOP EXETER CALF TRADE
The biggest entry of calves seen in Exeter this year, on 6th September, with the 220 sold meeting a very fierce trade. Top call was £495 for some outdoor reared Simmental bulls and steers at 3-4 months old presented by South Battisborough Farm, Plymouth who sold more to £450 and £435 x2. The trade of the day was a run of younger Simmentals, all around a month old, from KG & SRJ Wotton of Dittisham making an impressive £420, £340, £315.
In a sale of cast cows and bulls from Orkney consignors at Aberdeen & Northern Marts, Thainstone, on 5th September, beef cows sold to £2,030 gross for a 836kg Simmental from Harvey & Son, Wattle, Birsay and to 253.2p per kg for a 628kg Simmental from S & J Sclater, Lower Hobbister. On the same day and a sale of 198 cows and bulls, boning cows sold to £1090 for a 598kg Simmental cross. In a sale of prime cattle, under 30 months bullocks sold to £2478.60 gross for a 1020kg Simmental from Wester Coltfield, Kinloss.
In a sale of rearing calves at Gisburn on 5th September, Simmental x bulls from J & RJ Parsons topped at £450 and to the lead breed average of £384.
United Auctions on 4th September at Stirling sold 1453 store cattle and 169 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. Heifers (513) sold to a top gross of £1815 for a 594kg SIMX from Pittenkerrie.
In a sale of 140 store cattle at Holsworthy on 4th September, several fleshed heifers saw a top call of £1480 for a Simmental heifer from Mr B Stacey, Bradford others to £1400. Simmental heifers from Messrs T & J Adams & Son, Torrington, made £1440.
On 4th September at Brockholes Arms Auction Mart, Garstang, and a sale of 64 Cull Cows, Heifers and Bulls, the sale topped at 196p/kg for a Simmental from Eccles Farms which grossed £1499, another cow from the same home maxed in the lump at £1539 weighing 865kg.
At Dungannon Farmers Mart on 4th September, weanling heifers sold to £1300 for a 440kg Sim (296.00) presented by H Anderson.
Stags auctioneers at Tavistock Livestock Centre reported on a quality entry of cattle forward for the annual St Johns Cattle Fair on 3rd September, with a very strong trade for all cattle on offer. A small entry of Cows & Calves sold to £1450 for a 15yo Simmental x cow with her 1 month old steer calf at foot from Messrs FDH Hocking & Son of Bradstone.
At Ayr on 3rd September, and a sale of breeding cattle, heifers and calves saw a Simmental and Heifer calf top at £2050 from Bruntland.
At Hexham and Northern Marts on 3rd September, and a sale of cast cows and OTM, top grossing cow came from Mr J J & J M Sanders, Bavington Hill Head with an outstanding pure Simmental selling to £2262.00 to J A Jewitt (Meat) Ltd, Spennymoor. Making the worthwhile trip up the A1 was Mr C F Parker, Newsham Grange, Darlington who sold Simmental x cows to 215.5ppk.
At Darlington on 2nd September and a sale of cast cows, store & breeding stock, the feeding firms continue at full throttle with the summer store trade remaining ‘as good as ever been witnessed’. A scattering of young bulls was again in wonderful form topping at £1655 for a 13-month-old Simmental from E Parsons, Newstead Farm, Little Stainton.
C&D Auction Marts held their fortnightly sale of Store Cattle in Dumfries on 2nd September. Simmental Heifers sold to the top price of £1520 from J B Paterson & Co, Hartbush. Other Simms sold to £1460, £1450 Balnagleck, and £1350 High Auchneel. Simmental bullocks from Dressertland topped the ppkg at 336.2p/kg.
At Quoybrae on 2nd September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 1067 store and breeding cattle at their anniversary show and sale. Heifers (475) averaged 283.7p or £1,366.70 per head (+0.4p or +£59.15) on the year) and sold to 341.9p per kg for a 430kg Simmental Cross from 3 Forss, Thurso.
by Nicky Moreton | Oct 10, 2024 | 2024, 2024 Market Briefs, 2024 News
The second part of three, Simmental market briefs for September featuring snippets from a mighty 33 markets around the UK and where Simmentals continue to ‘do the business’. Markets highlighted this month include:
STIRLING; LANARK; CARLISLE; SEDGEMOOR; EXETER; THAINSTONE; DUNGANNON; HUNTLY; TIREE; TRURO; SKIPTON; BALLYMENA; MELTON MOWBRAY; BAKEWELL; GISBURN; CASTLE DOUGLAS; HEXHAM; LANCASTER; DUNGANNON; FROME; AYR; SALISBURY; HAILSHAM; DUMFRIES; HULL; SWATRAGH; PORTREE; MARKET DRAYTON; HOLSWORTHY; GARSTANG; TAVISTOCK; DARLINGTON; & QUOYBRAE
The Simmentals bread and butter is there well established maternal qualities of fertility, easy calving, milk in abundance, and ability to rear a quality calf year on year. As one commercial producer recently said: “Simmental is the ‘Tesla’ of upland suckler beef production!’
Establishing evidence based facts of the breed’s abilities, economic performance, and green credentials, analysis of AHDB data has shown Simmental gives beef producers more. Industry leading age at slaughter whether sired by a Simmental or out of a Simmental dam, significant reduction in finishing costs, and lower emissions meeting environmental challenges.
The ‘ultimate combination’ for Daily Carcase Gain has been shown as the progeny of a Simmental bull out of a Simmental dam, and with the highest rates of DCG, attained by both Continental and Natives sires, being for progeny out of Simmental dams.
These latest market briefs again highlight the all-round added value Simmentals can deliver as they top prime, store, breeding, suckled calf, rearing calf, and cull sections at the respective sales. Many of the other market leaders will be out of Simmental, and Simmental X dams.
Given these tremendous economics for beef producers, BSCS Norman Robson said in his recent report to breeders: “Our realistic aim should be to have a bit of Simmental in every suckler cow in the country.” There’s More to Simmental!
At Thainstone on 20th September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts had a sale of 213 store cattle forward from Orkney Consignors. Bullocks Sold to £1,970 gross for a 676kg Simmental from J & J Fraser, Feaval, Birsay. Heifers sold to £1,700 gross for a 576kg Simmental from D P Nicholson & Co, Quoys, South Ronaldsay.
Again at Thainstone on 20th September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 1250 store cattle, young bulls, and weaned calves. 594 Store Cattle sold to a top of £1970 for a Simmental Cross which scaled 676kg consigned by Messrs Fraser Feaval, Birsay.
In a sale of 200+ rearing calves at Gisburn on 19th September, Simmental X bull calves sold to £490 from J&RJ Parsons to feature in the leading prices.
On 19th September and a sale of prime cattle at Aberdeen & Northern Marts, Thainstone, prime heifers sold to 319p per kg for a 665kg Simmental Cross from Blackhillock, Millbrex
In a sale of OTM cattle at Lancaster on 19th September, the top grossing beef cow was a Simmental achieving £1770.
At Dungannon farmers Mart on 18th September, dropped calves sold to £580 for a Simm Bull presented by a Ballygawley producer.
In a sale of prime cattle at Frome on 18th September, Simmental heifers to 274p/kg, and a top gross of £1723 from AC CA Alvis.
In a sale of store cattle for Shetland consignors at Aberdeen & Northern Marts, Thainstone, on 17th September, bullocks sold to £1,695 gross for a 630kg Simmental from A H & J Davidson, Sunshine Cottage, Wester Quarff. Heifers sold to £1,550 gross for a 540kg Simmental from the same vendor.
At Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd’s sale of calves and stirks on 17th September at Ayr, the heifer stirks led the top price per head at £840 for a Simmental Cross from Barrachan.
At Salisbury Livestock Market on 17th September and a sale of Barren Cows (57 forward), top price went to cows which were assured, smart Simmentals from James Foot, P & S Foot, and made 210p on two occasions.
SIMMENTALS TOP HEIFERS & YOUNG BULLS AT SEDGEMOOR
On 16th September at Sedgemoor’s sale of prime cattle, heifers to a tremendous £2,051.51 for a Simmental (779kg) from CHJ Atwell & Sons, who sold more Simmentals at £1,833.98 (627kg) £1,719.83 (622kg) and £1,690.16 (639kg). Young bulls to 257.5ppk for a Simmental (15m) from J Drew, Cardiff, which returned at £1,843.70 (716kg).
At Hailsham’s sale of store cattle on 16th September, quality cattle made quality prices, great results no matter the age. A smart young consignment of Simmental x steers from PW Taylor & Son’s, Houseden rocketed to a top of £1540 at 14/15 months.
C&D Auctions held their Annual Rood Fair sale of Store Cattle with 450 forward on 16th September at Dumfries. H Gillan, Mossburn sold Simm heifers to the day’s top price of £1600, with others at £1340.
At Hull Livestock Markets sale of fatstock and store cattle on 16th September, a pen of four strong Simmental Heifers from M D Reeves, Brocklesby set the pace in the store heifers at £1,220.
In a sale of 134 barren, OTM, and feeding cows at Bakewell on 16th September, the top grossing cows were Simms from BD & JH Ponsonby, Tideswell Moor at £1962.24, and £1934.40.
Swatragh Livestock Market saw a super entry of 220 top quality cattle presented for sale on 16th September. Beef bulls were topped by a Kilrea producer, with a 820kg Simm at £2070.
At Portree on 16th September, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd sold 1,357 weaned calves and store cattle at their annual direct ballot sale. Young Bulls sold to 338.0pp per kg and £810 gross for a 240kg Simmental cross from 3 Totescore, Portree.
Market Drayton’s sale on 16th September saw the best sucklers to 218p for a Simmental cow weighing 904 kilos to accumulate £1,970.72 for A.P. Day & Sons, Outwoods. Others to mention : £1,796.76 (868kgs) Simmental JB.&P. Thompson,£1,523.58 (758kgs) Simmental JB. & P. Thompson, £1,433.12 (676kgs). In the sale of stores, great numbers forward and trade continued to march on. Just over thirty feeding bulls on offer topped at £1,200 for Simmental eleven months from Mr Andrew Martinez, Malpas. Yarding cattle still ringing the bell and topping at £1,740 for Simmental steers from Edwards Farming Ltd, Eccleshall.
In a sale of 1063 store cattle at Sedgemoor on 14th September, a record trade saw Simmentals feature in the top prices. Simmental to £1765 from RW Moore, Buckland St Mary. Fleshed Simmentals £1700 from C Barnes, Bridport. Well grown Simmentals £1650 from B & P Horsey & Son, West Hatch and £1630 from Messrs Snook Ltd, East Coker.
On 13th September at Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 401 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned calves. Bulls sold to £1460 gross for a pair of 510kg Simmental’s from Dundurcas, Rothes. On the same day and a sale of 150 store cattle for Orkney consignors, bullocks sold to 323.1p per kg for a pair of 390kg Simmentals from JM & JA Brown, Howally, Twatt. Heifers sold to £1,830 gross and 341.4p per kg for a pair of 536kg Simmentals from A T Annal & Son, Myres, South Ronaldsay.
On 13th September at Frome’s sale of store cattle, a good selection of younger feeding cattle forward met a strong, competitive trade. The stronger forward heifers on offer met an exceptional demand with fleshed heifers selling to a top of £1630 for Simms from Small Bros of Charterhouse.
At Lancaster on 13th September, 88 OTM cattle were forward. Cows sold to 249.5p/kg and 239.5p/kg both for Simmentals, with these achieving top grossing cows at £1796 and £1793.
At Huntly on 12th September, United Auctions sold 136 Store cattle and OTMS. Heifers (84) averaged 280p per kg, selling to a top gross of £1410 for a pair of 517Kg SimX’s from WhitehilL, Grange.
On 11th September at Market Drayton and a sale of clean cattle and young bulls, the top gross price was £20240 for a Simmental steer from R. & E. Kennerley Ltd, Church Eaton.
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