18,000GNS AUCHORACHAN LANDMARK TOPS THE TRADE AT STIRLING SIMMENTAL BULL SALE

18,000GNS AUCHORACHAN LANDMARK TOPS THE TRADE AT STIRLING SIMMENTAL BULL SALE

by | Oct 20, 2021 | 2021 Scottish News, 2021 News, 2021 Stirling Sales, 2021

• 57 bulls sold, up 5 on the year
• Bulls average £5961, up £372 on the year
• 22 bulls sell at 6000gns or more, with three at five figures
• 7 Islavale bulls average £9185
• Corskie lead female trade at 6000gns

Auchorachan Landmark 18,000gns

The junior bull Auchorachan Landmark 20 from D&R Durno & Sons, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Banffshire sold for 18,000gns to lead the Simmental bull sale at United Auction’s Stirling Agricultural Centre on Tuesday 19th October. From the youngest class of bulls on the day, Auchorachan Landmark 20 is a May 2020 born calf sired by the homebred stock bull Auchorachan Hercules, and is out of Auchorachan Holly, a cow described as having ‘loads of milk’. Auchorachan Landmark himself carried a Maternal (Milk) figure of +10 placing him in the top 10% of the breed for this trait. The herd sire Auchorachan Hercules has been breeding well in the 60 cow Auchorachan pedigree herd with sons, prior to Stirling, averaging over 8000 at pedigree sales.

Purchasing the top price was Brian and Stuart Grant for their Dellfield pedigree herd at Druid Temple Farm, Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness-shire. Commenting, Brian Grant said: “He looked a really good bull to our eye and we know and like the breeding on his dam line. He’s a well grown young bull with good shape about him, and colour was also important to get some of the darker colour into the herd. It’s the most we’ve paid for a bull and an investment in the herds future.” Auchorachan Landmark will be used on both pedigree and cross breds with the herd comprising of 170 cows in total and including 40-50 pure breds.

The Auchorachan herd’s top sale price to date is the 20,000gns paid for Auchorachan Wizard. With a bit of connectivity, Auchorachan Landmark is from the same family with Auchorachan Holly being a grand-daughter of Wizard’s mother. It was a solid day’s trading at Stirling for the Durnos who had further bulls sold at 8500, 6500, and 4500gns respectively.

The Simmental sale as a whole saw 57 bulls sold, up five on the year, and to an average of £5961, which was also up by £372. In all, 22 bulls sold at 6000gns and over including three at over five figures. Commenting the Society’s General Manager Iain Kerr said: “It was good to see more bulls sold on the year and also an increase of £372 on the averages. Simmental sales have been very strong in this last year or so with commercial buyers driving the trade and buying bulls to breed top quality breeding females. We’d have liked to have seen a stronger clearance, but there was again a ready demand for long, clean, easy fleshing Simmental bulls, with good milk and maternal figures.”

Islavale Lachlan 12,500gns

It was another tremendous Simmental sale for the prolific 160 pedigree cow Islavale herd of Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. A strong team of bulls saw seven in all sell to 12500, 10000, 9000, 8500, 7800, 7000, and 6500gns, to gross £64,365 and a mighty average of £9185. For good measure Islavale bulls also won the Overall Supreme (their eighth in all and first at the October Sale), Intermediate, and Junior Championships in the pre-sale show which was judged by Mr Simon Key of the Key Herd, Abbey Farm, Mundham, Loddon, Norwich.
Leading their consignment was the March 2020 born Islavale Lachlan 20. This bull, who stood second in his class to the Intermediate Champion, is by the ten-years-old Ranfurly Confederate, and is out of the Atlow Dixon daughter Islavale Innocent. Heading north, this bull who was Top 10% for both Calving Ease Direct, and Gestation Length, was purchased by Messrs Swanson, Quarryside, Caithness.

Islavale Lord 10,000gns

At 10,000gns was the Intermediate Champion himself, Islavale Lord 20. Another March 2020 born bull, Lord is by the herd’s main stock sire at present, Corskie Highlander 16 EX 92, a Dirnanean Bradley son, and is out of the Ranfurly Confederate daughter Islavale Honeypot. Another to go commercially, this bull was bought by Inverdunning Ltd, Dunning, Perthshire.

Islavale Loch Ness 9,000

The run of Islavale prices continued with Islavale Loch Ness making 9000gns when selling to the Greencap pedigree herd of Craegorry, Dalachy Farm, Aberdour, Fife. A second prize winner, this March 2020 born bull is another by Corskie Highlander 16 EX 92, and is out of another Ranfurly Confederate daughter, Islavale Daisy. Commenting, Colin Inglis said: “I really liked the style and presence of this bull, and he’s got a good set of figures behind him. The figures and breeding just fit and suit what I’m needing and he’ll be used mainly on pedigrees but also on some commercials.” The Greencap pedigree herd consists of 30 Simmental breeding females that are run alongside 120 commercial cows.

Ballymoney Larry 9,000

Also at the 9000gns mark was the Northern Irish bull Ballymoney Larry 20 from Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Banbridge, Co Down. A bull with size and power, Ballymoney Larry 20 had placed first in Class Four in the Senior section. March 2020 born, he is the first son of Saltire Impressive 17 who was purchased for 14,000gns at Stirling at the corresponding sale in 2018. Purchasing this bull, who carried good figures for growth and milk, was Delfur Farms who run the Delfur pedigree herd at Dundurcas, Rothes, Aberlour. Speaking to this purchase, the herd manager Stephen Allan said: “We liked this bull’s breeding lines and he’s suitable to use on all of our cows. He’s got size and width and we think he will complement our cows and bring a consistency of breeding. We’ve got 150 cows, of which 30 are pure not pedigree, and the he’ll be used predominantly for the pedigrees.”

Auchorachan Lancelot 8500gns

Another from the Durnos in the shape of Auchorachan Lancelot 20 (P) made 8500gns when selling to the Killumpha herd of Mr T Hamilton, Port Logan, Stranraer. A first prize winner in Class Six of the Intermediate Section, Auchorachan Lancelot 20 (P), is a heterozygous polled son of the imported Auroch Hudson (P), and is out of the noted Auchorachan Witch EX 90, a Glebefarm Tyson daughter. Of his purchase Mr Hamilton said: I really like the breeding of this bull and he’s also different to what I’ve had before. I liked the red colour of the bull and he carries a lot of style. We’ll use Auchorachan Lancelot on a mixture of the pedigree herd and commercials”.

Islavale Lionheart 8,5000

At this same 8500gns was another from the Islavale team, this time Islavale Lionheart 20. April 2020 born, Islavale Lionheart is a Curaheen Giant son and is out of the EX90 classified cow Islavale Holly 4, a Woodhall Walker daughter. A theme of the day was the demand for bulls with good Maternal (Milk) figures and this bull was another example with a +10 figure putting him in the breed’s Top 5%. Another of the top prices to go commercially, this bull was purchased by W&J Brown, Hilton of Culsh, New Deer, Turriff who said: “This was a very correct bull with size, a good top, and with excellent milk figures. He’ll be a very good fit with our commercial cows”.

Hiltonstown Lorenzo 8,000gns

Two bulls made 8000gns. The first of these was another from Northern Ireland in the form of Hiltonstown Lorenzo 20 from Richard & Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, Co Antrim. A bull with width and shape, the March 2020 born Lorenzo is by Dermotstown Delboy, and is out of Hiltonstown High Class, a Hiltonstown general daughter. Going to a pedigree home, Hiltonstown Lorenzo was bought by MA Barlow & Sons for their 60-cow Denizes herd at Four Oaks, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. Commenting, Michael Barlow said: “This bull is just full of natural thickness and shape. He’s a bull that we think will complement the style of the Blackford Galaxy daughters in the herd”.

Roma Leader 8,000gns

The second bull at the 8000gns mark was Roma Leader 20 from Mr RS & ME Weatherup, Romavale, Ashybank, Hawick, Roxs. It was a good sale to finish with for the Weatherups and following the successful Dispersal Sale of the herd in September and also at Stirling. Another with a Top 10% figure for Maternal (Milk), this March 2020 bulls is by the herd stock sire Islavale Frontier and is out of Roma Diamond, a Dirnanean Apostle daughter. This bull was knocked down to J Coventry & Sons, Newbarns Farm, Forfar, Angus.

Islavale Loyal 7,800gns

Continuing the run of Islavale bulls was Islavale Loyal 20 at 7800gns. Another dark red, fleshy bull, Loyal is by Curaheen Giant 2 and is out of the Curaheen Bandit daughter Islavale Glee VG86. This April 2020 born calf was bought by the J Milne & Sons, who run the Middlethird herd at Oldwhat Mains, Turriff. Commenting Mr Milne said: “We liked the bulls from the Islavale team at the sale. The bull we bought is a strong bull carrying some shape. He’ll be used on the pedigree herd and also to breed replacements in the commercial herd”.

Overhill House Link 7,500gns

Selling at 7500gns was Overhillhouse Link 20 from Richard McCulloch, Over Hill House, Armadale, West Lothian. May 2020 born, this bull who stood second in the last but one class, is by Islavale Heston and is out of Overhill House Gnocchi. This young bull headed to Ayrshire when being purchased by DL&S Currie, Pinclanty, Pinmore, Girvan.

Islavale Lennon 7,000gns

*The Overall Supreme Champion, and Junior Champion, was the April 2020 born Islavale Lennon 20 and again from the Stronach team. This bull is by Curaheen Giant, and is the third Giant son from Islavale to win a Stirling Supreme Championship. He is out of the second calver Islavale Harlequin VG87 who is a Ranfurly Confederate daughter. Of his Supreme Champion, the judge Simon Key said: “This bull just carried so much style and had a lovely and very typical Simmental head. He is exceptional on his plates, very clean through the middle, and a bull with easy fleshing qualities. I think he’s a modern Simmental bull with good locomotion, and carrying style and top Simmental breed characteristics.” The day’s Champion sold for 7000gns and was purchased by Graham Allan for his noted Glenturk herd at Wigtown, Newton Stewart.

Corskie Kaylee 6,000gns

A small but good show of females was topped at 6000gns by the in-calf heifer Corskie Kaylee from Mr WJ &J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers. April 2019 born, Corskie Kaylee is by Kilbride Farm Haka and is out of Corskie Haylee VG 86, a Dirnanean Bradley daughter. PD’d in-calf to Drumagarner Hughes, Corskie Kaylee was bought by the noted commercial producer Ryan Smith who also runs the Towiemore pedigree herd at Towiemore Farm, Keith, Banffshire.

AVERAGES:
57 Bulls (+5) £5961 (+£372)
9 Heifers £3033
5 Cows & calves £3423

Ranfurly Leader 7,000gns
Popes Lockhart 7,000gns

OTHER LEADING PRICES:
7200gns Lot 730 Strathisla Lynx sold to Genoch Mains Farm, C/o John J M McIntosh, Genoch Mains, Dunragit, Stranraer, Wigtownshire DG9 9ES
7000gns Lot 681 Popes Lockhart sold to A Nicolson, Relugas Mains Farm, Dunphail, By Forres, Moray IV36 2QL
7000gns Lot 745 Ranfurly Leader sold to Maesquoy Farms, Maesquoy Farm, Harray, Orkney KY17 2LE
7000gns Lot 750 Islavale Lennon sold to Glenturk Farming Co, Glenturk, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire DG8 9TF
6500gns Lot 718 Islavale Leon sold to C A Smith, Wester Coull, Tarland, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 4YS
6500gns Lot 736 Drumsleed Landmark sold to Genoch Mains Farm, C/o John J M McIntosh, Genoch Mains, Dunragit, Stranraer, Wigtownshire DG9 9ES
6500gns Lot 746 Auchorachan Lockdown sold to W Young, Skerrington Mains, Hurlford, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire KA1 5JB
6500gns Lot 772 Springfield Legacy sold to J Duff & Son, Broomknowe, Brechin, Angus DD9 6SJ
6200gns Lot 672 Garmouth Loon sold to M J & A Mill, Shawsmill Farm, Cardenden, Lochgelly, Fife KY5 0AN
6000gns Lot 663 Denizes Kingsley sold to A Whiteford, Moulandale, Kemnay, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire AB51 9JU
6000gns Lot 755 Strathisla Lumberjack sold to Stewart Farms, Ballglass, Lennoxtown, Glasgow G65 7LG
6000gns Lot 787 Popes Laertes sold to Greasley Estate, Peter Muir, Lamb Close House, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire NG16 3QX
Auctioneers: United Auctions

STRONG SALE DEMAND FOR BRITISH SIMMENTAL HIGHLIGHTED IN ANNUAL REPORT TO SOCIETY MEMBERS

by | Oct 8, 2021 | 2021 News, 2021

Some record averages at sales with strong clearance rates, confirmation of the Simmental breed as the UK’s number one continental breed for age at slaughter, and a solid year of financial performance are just some of the highlights from British Simmental Cattle Society President Stewart Stronach’s first annual report to members.

Opening the Society’s fifty first annual report for the 2020/2021 year, Mr Stronach, Maisley, Keith, Banffshire summarises the breed’s performance at Society Sales in the year and which included:

• A breed record sale average of £6482 (£+1443 on the year) at Stirling in February 2021, and a top price of 26,000gns, the second highest price for a Simmental bull at auction.
• The largest number of bulls sold across the breeds at Stirling in October 2020, and an average of £5589 (+£411 on the year).
• A record breed average of £4987.50 (+£977.50) at the Worcester Sale in May.
• A record average of £5345 (+£510) for the Stirling May Sale.

Whilst noting that the sale numbers were again distorted by the Covid situation, Mr. Stronach said that the demand at these sales had been extremely encouraging for the breed and had been replicated in off-farm sales. Commenting he said: “Through the year we’ve seen a strong demand for Simmental store and breeding cattle in commercial sales. The breed is naturally efficient, producing fertile and milky females which are easy to handle, as well as the extra growth in easy fleshing calves.”

Pistyll Kingsman sold for 26,000gns at Stirling in February 2021, the top price Simmental in the year

Mr. Stronach’s report highlights that whilst the breed is known for its maternal qualities, the SRUC & AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations has shown Simmental to be the UK’s Number One Continental beef breed for age at slaughter: “Green credentials and a reduced carbon footprint are going to be big factors in the forward beef industry both in suckler and dairy beef. This ability in age at slaughter, coupled with weight for age, producing beef from grass, and advantages in growth rate, can define the Simmental breed in delivering a green beef product with increased profitability.” With the aim of meeting the needs of the commercial producer, the report also highlights the ‘significant’ genetic progress the breed has made in breed averages over the last twenty years for both Self Replacing and Terminal Indexes.

A stated aim in the report is to build on the established sale base of the breed and develop pedigree sales in England. In addition to the potential at the Worcester Sale in May, a further sale fixture was introduced at Melton Mowbray in March of this year. Plans for an exciting new ‘Next Generation’ Sale of females and weaned calves at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, in December 2021 have also been announced.

In the Financial Statements presented for the year the Society announces making a surplus on the year of £105,000, and inclusive of a figure of £57,000 in unrealised investment gains. The total fund balances/financial reserves of the Society at the end of the year are shown as £877,569. The figures for the year are noted as being inclusive of over £20,000 in expenditure on the Society’s transition of its DNA services from Microsatellite (MS) to Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) technology.

Pedigree registration numbers are reported as having remained at a similar level to recent years, but with the President noting a continuing downward pressure and ‘work ahead to add value to all members’ pedigree registrations”. Speaking to the financial statements, Mr. Stronach said: “The Society’s finances are solid in a period of some transition and with good budgeting will allow for the Society to continue to carry out its core herd book, promotional and technical work. The year’s figures do need to be put in context with the expenditure around shows and sales in the year significantly reduced and again due to the Covid circumstance”.

In other snapshot highlights in the report, the growing export market for Simmental genetics is noted with live animals, semen, and embryos having sold in the year to markets in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, China, USA, and Italy respectively. Also reported is the 2021 ‘Virtual’ Simmental Show with this online competition having had a remarkable entry of over 750 pedigree Simmentals animals across twelve classes.

The Annual Report has been released and circulated in advance of the 51st Annual General Meeting of the British Simmental Cattle Society, which is scheduled to be held on Monday 18th October, the day before the Stirling Simmental Bull Sale, at United Auctions, Lomond Suite, Stirling Agricultural Centre commencing at 9.30am.

SIMMENTALS MILK AND MATERNAL QUALITIES, COMBINED WITH MUSCLE, GROWTH, AND CARCASE TRAITS ADDING UP TO ESSENTIAL PROFIT!

SIMMENTALS MILK AND MATERNAL QUALITIES, COMBINED WITH MUSCLE, GROWTH, AND CARCASE TRAITS ADDING UP TO ESSENTIAL PROFIT!

by | Oct 5, 2021 | 2021 Market Briefs

SIMMENTALS TOPPING COMMERCIAL MARKETS AT: THAINSTONE; HALLWORTHY; DUMFRIES; HOLSWORTHY; FROME; MARKET DRAYTON; TRURO; HEXHAM; QUOYBRAE; CARLISLE; SEDGEMOOR; LANCASTER; EXETER; BRECON; ST. BOSWELLS; SHREWSBURY; KILREA; LANARK; AND PENRITH.

At Thainstone on 1st October, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 989 store cattle. Bullocks (446) averaged 235p and sold to 272.7p per kg and £1,465 gross for a 666kg Simmental cross from Appieteen, Sandwick. On the same day, a sale of 162 store cattle on behalf of Orkney consignors saw bullocks sold to a top of £1,465 gross for a 666kg Simmental from J C & C J Sinclair, Appieteen, Sandwick and 268.2p per kg for a pair of 410kg Simmental from P & E Budge, Burn, South Ronaldsay.
At Hallworthy’s Store Sale on 30th September, Ant Hart stole the show in the younger cattle with a super pair of purebred Sim Steers at 11 months to £1130. In the sale of stirks on the same day, Simmentals topped the heifers at £640.
In the primestock sale at Dumfries on 29th September, Simmental x Heifers featured in the leading prices when selling to 238p/kg Low Three Mark to W Lindsay, Butchers Creetown.
Younger 18- 20mth steers were topped by a 18mth Simmental from Messrs BG & DM Ley of Langtree realise £1310 at Holsworthy Store Sale on 29th September.
At Frome’s primestock sale on 29th September, two big framed Simmentals from Waddon Farm Ltd sold well to 206.50p/kg and 203.50p/kg or £1406 (the top gross price) and £1309.
Meanwhile at Market Drayton on 29th September, stock bulls again met a lot of interest with a Simmental (13 months), from John Gosmore, selling for £3,100 and another Simmental (17 months) for £2,080. In the sale of store cattle on the same day Simmentals again featured strongly. Simmental steers sold to £1,220.00, at 586kg, from JRG Boffey & Ptns. R Foxley & Sons had 468kgs steers at £1,050.00, with Mr DJ Colclough having 498k Simmentals at £1,010.00. JRG Boffey & Ptns also had 559kgs Simmental heifers at £1180.
Topping out the heifers at Truro store cattle sale on 29th September included a single Simmental x from Mr K Thomas of Wendron, Helston, selling for £1,060. One and a half year old Simmental x steers sold to £1,130 for Mr S Backway of St Eval, Wadebridge. One and a half year old heifers were also led by Simmentals at £1060 and again from Mr K Thomas of Wendron, Helston. Strong suckled calf prices for steers up to seven months old included Simmental x to £750 for Messrs L J Richards & Son of St Day, Redruth. Topping the eight to twelve month old steers was Simmental x to £800 for Messrs R A F & R M Roberts of Gweek, Helston. Heifers eight to twelve months old were led by Simmental x to £590 for Mr K Thomas for Wendron, Helston.
At the Hexham primestock sale on 28th September, the highest ppkg cow was a well fleshed Simmental x cow from Mr R M Johnston, High Fotherley selling to 163.5 ppkg
At Quoybrae on 27th September, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 714 store cattle. Heifers (301) averaged 238.8p (+ 20.6p) to 273.9p for a pen of 387kg Simmentals from Lower Milton, Wick.
At the sale of primestock held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on 27th September, the prime bulls top prices featured Simmentals to £1838.27 from Messrs Gwynne, Castlewigg, Newton Stewart and purchased by A & D Meats, Rossendale. In the steers, Simmental crosses sold to £1821.51 from Messrs Dickinson, Brockwoodlees, Canonbie and purchased by W E Fairlies, Letham

In the sale of barren cows, bulls, and over age clean cattle at Market Drayton on 27th September, the top price bull was the £1,478.40 for a Simmental weighing 1,056kgs from G. &G.E. Reade, Knutsford. In the clean cattle, the top price was 213p for a Simmental steer weighing 574kgs to gross £1,222.62 for W.S. & P.B. Bartram, Stowe-By-Chartley.

Simmentals featured in the top prices at Sedgemoor’s Store Cattle Sale on Saturday 25th September. A big frame Simmental steer led at £1540 from ME Sampson & Son, Upottery, who sold others at £1405 and £1400. Further framed Simmental steers sold to £1395 from The Victorian Barn, Wolland and £1315 for SF & KL Evans, Backwell.
The sale of calves, OTM and store cattle on Friday 24th September 2021 at Lancaster saw CD&HL Mason’s Simmentals top the steer stirks at £830

At Exeter’s sale of stirks and suckled calves on 24th September, Miles and Helen Partridge of Poundsgate topped the sale with Simmental steers (6m) reaching £810. A small show of stirk bulls met keen demand topping at £710 for May Priorton Ltd with Simmental crosses (7m).

At Brecon Market’s store cattle sale on 24th September, Simmental cross heifers from DG Davies, featured in the top gross prices at £1525.
At H&H’s sale of store cattle at St Boswells on 23rd September, heifers per kilo sold to 216p for Simmentals from South Common. At the same sale Simmental bullocks from South Common sold to 222.2p per kilo.
In a sale of 390 calves at Market Drayton on 23rd September, Simmentals led the breed averages for both bulls and heifers. Simmental bulls averaged £145.88. Simmental heifers averaged £119.63.
At Shrewsbury’s store cattle sale on 23rd September, bullocks premiums to 257.5ppk for Simmental Steers from R & EM Lightfoot. A wonderful even run of Simmental bullocks on offer from Messrs Albrighton Estate topped at £1350 (600kg) for a 17mo steer. Dairy Bred Simmental Bullocks peaked at £1290 (620Kg) for P & CE Davies of the Crest
At Hallworthy’s Store Cattle Sale on 23rd September, the older cows and calves saw a top of £1130 for a Simmental x Cow and Hereford Bull Calf for the Jasper Family.
In a sale of cull cows at Frome on 22nd September, a tremendous run of Simmentals from S & H Webb really caused a stir selling to 157.50p/kg, 156.50p/kg or 143.50p/kg or £1392 (the top gross price), £1357 and £1269.
At Kilrea Market, N Ireland, on 22nd September, Sim cross heifers (10) sold to a top price of 410 kg £1400 and 430kg £1380 (£3.21 to £3.41/kg ) for a Coleraine producer (pictured).

On 22nd September at Dingwall, Dingwall and Highland Marts sold 627 store cattle. Continental bullocks averaged 233.1p (up 14.0p on the year) and sold to 275.9p per kg for a 270kg Simmental cross from Isle of Muck Farms and £1,160 gross for a 555kg Simmental cross from 34 Newmarket, Laxdale. Continental heifers averaged 221.2p (up 3.8p on the year) and sold to 242.2p per kg for a pen of 225kg Simmental crosses from Isle of Muck Farms.
On Wednesday 22nd September Harrison and Hetherington held their weekly calf sale at Carlisle with an entry of 340 presented to a larger ringside of buyers. All classes of calves were extremely well bid for resulting in an increased trade throughout. Simmental bulls sold to £550 for Haregills Cottage.
At the sale of store cattle at Lanark Market on 21st September, bullocks reached a top of £1380 for two 654kg Simmentals from Ryeflatt, or to 253.7p/kg for a pen of five 339kg Simmentals from Logan, to average 214.5p.
In the sale of primestock at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on 20th September, the prime bulls saw Simmentals feature and sell to £1747.64 from Messrs Goldie, Newbie Mains, Annan
Aberdeen and Northern Marts on Friday 17th September 2021 sold 1,108 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves. Heifers (288) averaged 228.4p and sold to 279.7p per kg for a pair of 404kg Simmental crosses from South Flaws, St Margarets Hope and £1,430 gross. Heifers up to 350kg were led by Mosside of Gight with a Sim at £720 and another from Raefin at £700. Heifers at 401-450kg were topped by South Flaws with a Sim at £1,130. Heifers at 451-500kg saw Thistleyhillock top with a Sim at £1,290. Bullocks up to 350kg sold to £850 for a Sim from Raefin. Bullocks between 401- 450kg sold to £1075 for a Sim from Howally. Bullocks between 551-600kg sold to £1335 for a Sim from Hindatoon Farm. On the same day, a sale of 381 store cattle on behalf of Orkney consignors saw heifers sold to 279.7p for a pair of 404kg Simmentals from DR & JL Duncan, South Flaws, South Ronaldsay.
In a sale of rearing calves and stirks at Penrith on 17th September a pair of younger Simmental bull stirks, 4 to 5-months-old featured in the leading prices when they achieved £510 per head from Messrs G & EA Harrison, Mount Clifton, purchased by Mr I Prudham.
Lancaster had an offering of 280 store cattle forward on 17th September. Simmental bullocks from T&M Halhead, Priest Hutton featured in the top prices selling to £1420.

JAMES MCKANE WINS SIMMENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP AT 2021 BALMORAL SHOWWITH HILTONSTOWN INDIANA

JAMES MCKANE WINS SIMMENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP AT 2021 BALMORAL SHOW
WITH HILTONSTOWN INDIANA

by | Sep 23, 2021 | 2021 Northern Ireland News, 2021 News, 2021 Balmoral Shows, 2021

The senior Simmental bull, Hiltonstown Indiana, owned by Ballymena suckler herd owner and pedigree breeder James McKane has been crowned Male and Supreme Overall Champion at the 152nd Balmoral Show, held on 22nd September 2021, at Balmoral Park, Lisburn.

Male and Supreme Champion, Hiltonstown Indiana

Born in January 2017, Hiltonstown Indiana was bred by Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, and is stock bull in the McKane family’s 50-cow commercial herd, which is run alongside six pedigree cows registered under the Springfarm prefix. He is sired by the 2014 and 2015 Balmoral supremo Dermotstown Delboy, and is out of the Auroch Amos daughter Hiltonstown Erica VG88.

Balmoral Show was Indiana’s second outing, with him having previously won the Male Championship at Ballymena Show in 2019.

County Antrim Simmental judge Robin Boyd described the overall winner as “a big, well-grown bull with strength and power.”

Supreme Overall champion Hiltontstown Indiana with judge Robin Boyd and Richard Rodgers and Megan McKane.

Claiming the day’s Female and Reserve Championship honours was the January 2020 born maiden heifer Drumsamney Lady Jane, brought out by Jonathan Henderson, and father Roger, from Desertmartin. Sired by Kilbride Farm Glenhead, she is the second calf bred from the Omorga Murray daughter Ranfurly Lady Diana 29th ET, purchased for 3,900gns at the Ranfurly Herd’s production sale at Dungannon in September 2016.

Female Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion Drumsamney Lady Jane

The Drumsamney prefix was founded in 2010 and currently comprises of 12 pedigree cows.
The Henderson duo also scooped the Reserve Female Championship title with another Kilbride Farm Glenhead daughter. The March 2020 born Drumsamney Intrepid’s Lola was bred from Newbiemains Intrepid, the Reserve Female Champion at Stirling in October 2018.

Former British Simmental Breed Society President Robin Boyd, who owns the Slievenagh Herd based at Portglenone, is a highly respected judge who has officiated at major shows throughout the UK and Ireland, and twice at the Danish National Show.

“It has been an honour to add Balmoral Show to my list of ‘royal show’ judging appointments,” said Mr Boyd, who over the years has judged at Stoneleigh, the Highland, Welsh, Norfolk, Bath and West, and the famous Perth Bull Sales.

“Agricultural shows, like many other events, have been hit hard by the pandemic. This year’s Balmoral has attracted a small entry of Simmentals, but I’d like to congratulate the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society on organising a successful show under difficult circumstances. I’d also like to thank the exhibitors for supporting this year’s show.”

Drumsamney Intrepid’s Lola and Drumsamney Lady Jane, Best pair of Simmentals.
Judging of the Supreme Championship at Balmoral Show

Specials

The Bobbie Dickson Perpetual Championship Trophy for the Supreme Champion: James McKane. Reserve: Jonathan Henderson.

British Simmental Cattle Society Engraved Crystal Glasses for the Supreme Champion: James McKane.

Imex Perpetual Cow Bell for the best British Simmental female: Jonathan Henderson. Reserve: Jonathan Henderson.

Bangor and Six Road Ends Farmers’ Union Perpetual Trophy for the Female Champion: Jonathan Henderson.

Bobbie Gamble Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the best heifer born between 1/1/19 and 30/6/20: Jonathan Henderson.

NI Simmental Club Trophy for the Male Champion: James McKane.

William Black Memorial Perpetual Cup for the Male Champion: James McKane.

News Letter Shield for the Junior Champion: Jonathan Henderson.

Classes

Heifer, born on or after 1/1/20 – 1, Jonathan Henderson, Drumsamney Lady Jane by Kilbride Farm Glenhead; 2, Jonathan Henderson, Drumsamney Intrepid’s Lola by Kilbride Farm Glenhead.

Bull, born on or before 31/12/19- 1, James Kane, Hiltonstown Indiana by Dermotstown Delboy.

Pair, property of exhibitor – 1, Jonathan Henderson, Drumsamney Lady Jane and Drumsamney Intrepid’s Lola.

SIMMENTAL: THE COMMERCIAL BREED YOU CAN BANK ON

SIMMENTAL: THE COMMERCIAL BREED YOU CAN BANK ON

by | Sep 21, 2021 | 2021 Market Briefs

SIMMENTAL MARKET BRIEFS: SIMMENTAL CATTLE TOPPING COMMERCIAL SALES AT ABERDEEN; DUMFRIES; FORT WILLIAM; CARLISLE; SHREWSBURY; DARLINGTON; HOLMFIRTH; QUOYBRAE; DINGWALL; STIRLING; AND HUNTLY

At Aberdeen & Northern Marts sale of cast cows, bulls and prime cattle on behalf of Shetland consignors on Thursday 16th September, beef cows Sold to 143.5p per kg for a 634kg Simmental from A G L Duncan, I Hillock, Dunrossness.
C & D Auctions held their weekly sale of Primestock on Wednesday 15th September 2021 at Dumfries. Beef averaged 141p/kg to 172p/kg and £1298.60 for a Simmental from Cormaddie.
At Fort William on 15th September, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd sold 348 weaned calves and store cattle, 19 OTM cattle, and 12 adult head of breeding cattle. Heifers (135) averaged 295.2p (+37.3p) and sold to 358.6p per kg for a 145kg Simmental cross from Ardtornish Farms, Morven.
At Harrison & Hetherington’s sale of store cattle at Carlisle on 14th September, topping the day’s trading was J A Riddell, Newstead with a thumper of a Simmental x Steer at £1400
On 9th September at Thainstone’s sale of Cast Cows, Bulls and Prime Cattle forward from Orkney consignors, beef cows sold to £1,570 gross for a 848kg Simmental from J I & W N Stout, Whitehall, Stronsay. At the market’s sale of prime cattle held on the same day bullocks averaged 209.9p per kg and sold to 215p per kg and £1,569.50 for a 730kg Simmental Cross from Diamonds. At the sale of cows and bulls, Beef Feeding Cows averaged £1,046.17 and sold to £1,230 including a 580kg Simmental Cross from Midtown, Strachan.
Shrewsbury Auction Centre’s Store sale on 9th September saw 123 Steers sold to an overall average of 210.03p/kilo and £990/head selling to a top price of £1425 twice from a super run of strong Cattle from M/s J Hanmer & Co Ltd which were both Simmental x Steers weighing 725kgs and 720kgs.
At Borderway’s Store and Weanling Cattle Sale on 8th September at Carlisle, bulls continued to fly for all types with young Simmental bulls leading the trade. £1280 was the top for one from Gerrard House, Wigton. Messrs Gwynne, Castlewigg also had Simmental bulls at £1260 and £1200.
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their weekly sale of Cast Cattle, Store and Breeding stock on Monday 7th September 2021. The beef trade remains ultra-solid and the cow beef is no exception. Top price per kilo was a lovely fleshy Simmental OTM from C & E Gaskin, Hillingdon Farm, Marwood when she sold for 216 pence
At Holmfirth Market on 7th September and the sale of store, prime and OTM cattle, the OTMS top price gross was the Simmental at £1248.30/head from J A Miller sold to JB Eastwood & Sons.
At Quoybrae on 6th September, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 957 store cattle at their anniversary show and sale. Champion in the Harbro and W & A Geddes Ltd sponsored show and sale judged by Arnott Coghill, Skinnet, Halkirk was a 604kg Simmental cross bullock from W Barnetson & Sons, Lynegar, Watten and sold for £1,500 to Backmuir Livestock, Keith. Heifers (468) averaged 229.6p to 257.6p, and to £1,480 gross for a 576kg Simmental Cross from 5 West Murkle.
At Thainstone on 3rd September, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 611 Store Cattle including BVD Virus Free and Vaccinated Bulling Heifers, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves. BVD Virus Free and Vaccinated Heifers (101) averaged 261.6p and sold to 344.2p per kg for a pair of 526kg Simmental’s and £1,820 gross for a 588kg Simmental both from Berryleys, Grange. Bulls sold to 241.1p per kg and £1,205 gross for a 552kg Simmental from Broomhill Farm, Methlick.
At a sale of cast cows and bulls at Thainstone on 2nd September, Aberdeen and Northern Marts, Beef Feeding Cows (60) averaged £1,046.17 and sold to £1,410 for a 794kg Simmental from Milton of Collieston, Ellon. Bulls (23) averaged £1,175.91 and sold to £1,510 for a 950kg Simmental from Upper Tillenhilt, Midmar. On the same day a sale cast cows, and bulls forward from Orkney consignors saw beef cows sold to £1,610 gross for a 890kg Simmental from E S H Harcus & Co, Quanterness, St Ola and 203.4p per kg for a 654kg Simmental from Holland Farm, Stronsay. On the 3rd September a sale of store cattle on behalf of Orkney consignors saw heifers sold to a top of £1,330 gross and 288.8p per kg for a pen of three 450kg Simmental crosses from T Lyth, Heatherhouse Farm, Tankerness.
At Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd sale of prime cattle on 31st August, prime bullocks averaged 237.5p and sold to 239.0p per kg and £1,577.40 gross for a 660kg Simmental cross from Hallhill, Kinneff
On 30th August at Carlisle, Messrs Gwynne, Castlewigg Farm sold the top priced Simmental cow for 776kg and at the top price per kg of 216.5p, totalling £1680 and bought by Jewitt Meats.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 159 cows and bulls at Thainstone on 26th August. Beef finished cows averaged £1,360.80 (+£47.40) and sold to £1,630 gross for A 920kg Simmental from 5 West Murkle, Thurso.
At Dingwall & Highland Marts on 24th August, prime heifers averaged 244.7 (+3.3p) and sold to 257.0p per kg for a 540kg Simmental cross from Lyne of Urchany Farm, Nairn selling to Neil Menzies Butchers, Braemar.
United Auctions at Stirling on Wednesday 25 August 2021 sold 1055 store cattle, 77 rearing cattle & 135 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. Bullocks (660)– averaged 230.51p to £1490 for a 641kg SimX from Forrestmill. Out of Spec Cattle averaged 213.94p to £1590 for a SimX from Blackburn.

At Huntly on 26th August, United Auctions sold 478 store & OTM cattle at their anniversary sale where all types met an electric demand. In the OTMs a SimX sold to £1410, 168.9p for Whitehills, Grange.

On Thursday 26th August, Caledonian Marts Ltd sold 119 Cattle compromising of 55 Bullocks, Heifers and Young Bulls and 64 OTM Cattle at their Stirling market.
Prime Bullocks sold to £1794 for a Simmental from H A Brown, Molemount, Galston purchased by McGregor Meats, Stirling. The cows sold to a strong average of 136ppkg selling to 175ppkg for a Simmental from J McAdam, Callendoune, Helensburgh and to £1400 for the same beast.