Simmental breeder Colin Inglis who runs the Greencap pedigree herd at Craegorry, Dalachy Farm, Aberdour, Fife will be the inaugural judge of the British Simmental Cattle Society’s new ‘Next Generation’ show and sale fixture, of pedigree Females and Weaned Calves, due to take place at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle on 3rd December this year.
The catalogue of 82 cattle, has attracted entries from many of the leading Simmental herds in the country with some of the bloodlines forward amongst the very best in the breed, and with many rarely having been presented for public auction before now. In all, 40 maiden heifers are forward, along with 3 heifers served and/or suckling (3 calves), 8 in-calf heifers, 14 weaned bulls calves, and 17 weaned heifer calves.
Speaking on this new sale and the job ahead, Colin Inglis commented: “I think the Next Generation Sale is a fantastic new fixture. It will showcase the qualities the Simmental breed has to offer and give pedigree breeders and commercial producers a tremendous opportunity to buy new lines and cattle with potential for their herds. I’m delighted and honoured to have been asked to be the first judge at what I’m sure will establish into a highlight annual fixture for the Simmental breed.”
Simmentals at Dalachy Farm
The Inglis’ Dalachy Farm is 700 acres and comprises of 120 commercial cows, 35 pure Simmentals, 300 ewes, and 300 acres of arable. With Colin being a self-employed contractor Dalachy Farm is very much run as a team affair along with Colin’s parents Tom and Wilma.
The commercial herd at Dalachy is closed and made up of predominantly Simmental cows and with a few Angus cows. Both Simmental and Angus bulls are run and which are crossed over. Calves are mainly used for retailing Dalachy Farm’s own beef and with the Simmental heifer calves being retained as replacements. The herd is spring calving and with a few in the summer and back end to enable a beef-supply all year round. With efficiency and all-round flexibility being big forward drivers in the industry Colin sees a bright future for the Simmental breed and says: “I think the modern Simmental is a tremendous breed for any producer to have. The docility of the cows is a great starting point and once calved they have an abundance of milk for the calf to feed and thrive on. With the current feed prices being so high if you can use the cow’s milk, and grass throughout the summer, it’s really a ‘no brainer’. If the calf gets all of that then it’s faster growing and is able to finish within 12-14 months at a fraction of the price if it’s had milk instead of creep feed.”
The Inglis’ Greencap pedigree herd was established in 2004 and following on from a keen interest Colin’s Grandad had always had in the Simmental breed. The first pedigree cow was Orlando Tanya bought from Pat and Mary Forrester, Manor Leys, Forfar, and with another heifer, Blackford Ruby, bought from the MacPhersons, Blackford Farm, Croy. Both of these foundation female lines are still in the herd today. The pedigrees are calved at between two and two and a half years, and the commercials at two. Being rigorous in selection any females deemed to be not quite what the Inglis are looking for go into the commercial herd.
Greencap Kane 9,000gns
Increasingly prolific at sales and selling various bulls into pedigree herds, the herd’s top sale price to date is the 9000gns achieved for Greencap Kane at Stirling in October 2020 when sold to Michael Durno’s Auchorachan herd. However, Colin retains a very commercial focus in the bulls he’s looking to produce: “My aim with the pedigrees is to be able to produce good commercial bulls that sell well to repeat customers. If I manage to sell bulls into pedigree herds then that really is a bonus and makes me proud of what I am doing,” he says.
Greencap Jaeger Junior Champion 2019 Royal Highland
With regards to the Next Generation Sale judging ahead, Colin is clear on the type of Simmental that will catch his eye: “I am looking for nice feminine females, and heifer calves, with plenty of breed character, length and style that show themselves well when coming into the ring, and with good locomotion,” he says. “I think selling younger Simmental stock in the weaned calf sections is also a new approach and a good idea. With the bull calves it means they will be able to mature more naturally without being pushed for sales at a later date, and they will carry a lot of potential for the buyers.”
Commenting on what will be his biggest judging ‘job’ to date, Colin said: “I very look forward to judging the first Next Generation Sale and I would like to wish all Simmental breeders the very best of luck with the show and sale.” The Next Generation Sale, sponsored by Harbro, is due to be held on Friday December 3rd at Borderway Mart, Carlisle with the show commencing at 9.30am and the sale at 11.30am. On the Thursday evening December 2nd, the cattle can be viewed at the market between 5pm – 7pm and with hospitality available.
At Holmfirth Market on 2nd November, the trade for cows with calves at foot was led by a ten-year-old Simmental cow with 7-month Limousin calf at foot to £1570 from JR Richardson sold to JB Eastwood & Sons.
Shrewsbury Auction Centre on 2nd November saw a ‘riproaring trade for breeding cattle’. A pure Simmental Cow with bull calf from George Powell topped at £1800 for the collective entry.
United Auctions (Saturday 30 October 2021) sold 752 beef breeding cattle at Stirling. In calf cows were led with SimX £1900×4, £1800 & £1650×7 from Home Farm. Bulling heifers to SimX £1650, £1420×2, £1300 & £1250×2 from Home Farm. SimX £1320×4 & £1280×2 from Ormsary, SimX £150×3 from Sunnycroft. Stock bulls topped by a Sim at £2600 from Home Farm. Simmental heifers with bull calves at foot sold to £2750 & £2050 from Harehead. Sim Heifers with heifer calves at foot sold to £2600 from Pitcairn. SimX cows with bull calves at foot sold to £1900 from Airthrey Kerse & Mains of Burnbank. SimX in calf heifers sold to £2000 & £1800 from Grange of Aberbothrie.
On 30th October at a large store cattle sale at Sedgemoor ‘Saturday Stock Market’, steers sold to £1515 for grand suckler bred Simmentals (5x 22/28m & FA) from PK & RJ Heard, Cheriton Fitzpaine, who sold more at £1290 (18m & FA) and £1195 (2x only 10m & FA). Further Simmentals £1185 (21m & FA) M Naish, Kenn and £1180 (2x 17m & FA) Mrs DM Dyer, Yarcombe.
At Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts (Friday 29th October 2021) sold 935 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves. Bulls sold to 383.3p per kg for a pen of six 240kg Simmental crosses from Cairntack Farm, Belhelvie.
In a sale of 424 store cattle at Exeter on Friday 29th October, steers topped at a massive £1595 given for a couple of Simmental steers (28m) being the best of a terrific run of bullocks from Cyril Emmett of Aylesbeare followed by further pairs of Simmental’s all born around the same time from Cyril which drew £1515 and £1490 apiece.
At Frome Livestock Market on 29th October, super well conformed young continentals were topped by Simmental suckled heifers presented by J & M Rawlings, 7months old, and sold easily to £702.
At Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts (28th October 2021) sale of prime cattle saw heifers sell to £1,433.25 gross for a 735kg Simmental from Brewthin, Cullerlie.
Hallworthy market’s sale of store cattle on 28th October saw some really fleshy heifers around with power. Top spot going to G Williams and Son of St Kew with their best a single Simmental x to £1295 and a second pair with tremendous fleshing to £1200.
C&D Auction Marts sale on Thursday 28th October 2021 at Dumfries saw a larger show of cast cows forward to an increased ring of buyers with more quality on offer and all classes in demand. The sale topped at £1,220 for Simmentals from J Higgs Farm, Arkleton, Langholm.
At Oswestry Market on 27th October, the top prices included the £985 (259p/kg) paid for two Simmental steers aged 11-13 months, sold by Partneriaeth Llymystyn, Foel.
Thirsk Market had 219 cattle forward on 26th October with all classes selling well. Steers topped at £1225 for Simmental X from Colton House Farm, Lower Dunsforth.
Lawrie and Symington Ltd sold 528 Store Cattle at their fortnightly sale at Lanark on 26th October. Heifers peaked at £1275 for a 610kg Simmental from Parklea,
At Quoybrae on 25th October, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sale of Weaned calves, and Store cattle, saw weaned calf heifers averaged 232.1p and to £950 gross for a 417kg Simmental cross from Roadside, Reiss, Wick.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts Friday 22nd October 2021.sold 1,800 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves at Thainstone. Heifers (360) averaged 230.5p and sold to 281.6p per kg for a pair of 412kg Simmental crosses from Cairntack Farm, Belhelvie.
At Frome store cattle sale on 22nd October the young continentals were full of top quality suckled calves. Sid Brown, supporting the sale from the Isle of Wight, led the section when presenting some of his top Simmental Steers which saw 7-8mo at £850, & 6mo at £765.
United Auctions on Thursday 21 October, sold 360 store and OTM cattle at Huntly. OTMs sold to 146.5p per kg or £1160 for SimX from Newtonbrae, Newmill.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts on 21st October sold 268 Cows and Bulls at Thainstone averaged £1,067.50 (+£90.59)and sold to £1,290 for a 1,215kg Simmental from South Auquhorthies, Oldmeldrum
Dingwall and Highland Mart Ltd., on October 20th, sold 534 weaned and store calves and 1 breeding bull. Bullocks (296) averaged 235.7p (up 5.2p on the year) and sold to £1,400 gross for a 660kg Simmental cross from Ballone, Abriachan Heifers (223) averaged 225.1p (up 3.8p on the year) sold to 355.7p per kg for a 253 Simmental cross from Morvich Farm, Rogart.
At Malton Livestock Market on 19th October, OTM bulls were led by a 945kg Sim X from L Holtby, Ruswarp at 122.50ppk (£1157.63).
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., held a sale of prime cattle on October 19th. Prime bullocks averaged 231.3p and sold to 236.0p per kg for a 595kg Simmental cross from Bridgend Farm, Dingwall
In a sale of UTM & OTM Prime cattle at Sedgemoor on 18th October, heifers sold to £1,693.44 for a grand 756kg black and white OTM Simmental from EJ Collins & Son, Chard.
At Portree on 18th October, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd., bullocks sold to 261.9p per kg for a pair of 210kg Simmental crosses from 17/18 Borve, Skeabost,
On Saturday 16th October, Selby Market held a store cattle sale. Heifers were topped by a Sim at £1450 from M Brears & Sons.
Back to Thainstone on 15th October and Aberdeen & Northern Marts had a total of 181 Store Cattle forward from Orkney Consignors. Bullocks Sold to a top of 273.2p per kg for 280kg Simmentals from Millburn Farms.
At the sale of store cattle at Exeter on 15th October, store heifers saw a pen of four cracking Simmentals (19m) from Dave Pollard head that section at £1235 a head.
At Fort William on October 14th, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd., sold 258 store cattle, 14 adult head of breeding cattle and 32 OTM cattle. Heifers (101) averaged 222.1p per kg and sold to 305.9p for a 255 Simmental cross from Sandamhor farming, Isle of Eigg. Breeding Cattle sold to £900 gross for a Simmental cross heifer in calf from Mucomir Farm.
At Thainstone on 14th October, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sale of Prime Cattle saw heifers average 218.2p and sold to £1,543.95 gross for a 705kg Simmental from Nether Tillygarmond, Finzean.
At Lodge & Thomas’s sale of store cattle on 13th October at Truro, the dearest through the ring at £1425, in from Porkellis, Helston was Mrs B Baxter’s tremendous single Simmental x steer, bought by Mr R H Eddy of Tehidy, Camborne.
In a sale of prime cattle at Melton Mowbray on 12th October, OTM heifers were topped at 216.5ppk for Simmentals from R&S Anderson, with others at 209.5ppk, and 205.5ppk.
On 11th October at Rugby Farmers Market the trade for cows was led by a 822kg Simmental at 221ppk from Lee & Son.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts, on 11th October at Quoybrae, sold 492 weaned calves, 93 store and 56 breeding cattle. Breeding cattle sold to £2,300 for an Simmental Cross Cow with Charolais Cross Bull Calf at foot from Keiss Mains, Keiss.
United Auctions on Monday 11 October 2021 sold 1770 suckled calves at Stirling. Heifers averaged 247.0p and to £1220 for a 516kg SimX from Shanry.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts, on Friday 8th October at Thainstone, sold 1,418 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves. Heifers (285) averaged 232.3p and sold to 289.9p per kg for a 376kg Simmental cross from Bunchrew Home Farm, Inverness Bulls sold to 210.5p per kg for a 380kg Simmental cross from Grassmiston Farm, Crail and £1,200 gross for a 616kg Simmental cross from Auchencrieve Farm, Methlick.i
• Ranfurly heifers top at 5400gns & 4900gns • Omorga heifers at 4700gns & 4400gns • Cladymore heifer at 4600gns • Ten-month-old ‘Miss Crumble’ tops Commercials at 2700gns
Female champion at 50th Anniversary Simmental Spectacular was Ranfurly Weikel 40th L10 sold for a top price of 5,400gns by WD and JD Hazelton, Dungannon.
There was standing room only at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart for the 50th Anniversary Simmental Spectacular Sale held on Friday 22nd October.
Celebrating 50 years of the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club, the event attracted strong interest from pedigree and commercial buyers from throughout the Province and further afield.
The pre-sale show was judged by British Simmental Cattle Society President Stewart Stronach from the noted Islavale Herd based at Maisley, Keith, Banffshire. “It was a strong show, and the standard of cattle was high in all classes.”
Hitting the headlines in both the show and sale rings was the Female Champion Ranfurly Weikel 40th L10 from David and Jonny Hazelton’s herd at Dungannon. Born in April 2020, she was sired by the Cleenagh Flasher son Samark Superman, and is bred from the Raceview King daughter Ranfurly Weikel 23rd VG86. This one topped the sale, coming under the hammer of auctioneer Trevor Wylie at 5,400gns, and selling to new breeder Patrick Fitzsimmons from Strangford, County Down.
“The female champion is a very sweet heifer. Full of breed character, and will be a great asset to anyone’s herd,” said Stewart Stronach.
Reserve female champion Ranfurly Weikel 39th sold for 4,900gns at the 50th Anniversary Simmental Spectacular, held at Dungannon.
Five heifers from the Ranfurly prefix sold to average £3,717 per head.
The third placed Cladymore Lovely ET sold at 4,600gns for Messrs Reaney at the 50th Anniversary Simmental Spectacular.
The third placed Cladymore Lovely ET sold at 4,600gns for the Reaney family from Mowhan, County Armagh. Sired by the 2014 and 2015 Balmoral Show champion Dermotstown Delboy, this April 2020 heifer was bred from the Borness Troy daughter Cladymore Annabell. She joins the Drumsamney Herd owned by Roger and Jonathan Henderson, Desertmartin, County Londonderry.
Eamon McCloskey, Kilrea, sold the third placed Drumagarner Lee for 3,600gns. Born in January 2020, she was sired by Team Celtic, and bred from the Rabawn Flame daughter Drumagarner Indigo. Buyer was pedigree herd owner Chris Traynor, Kilmore Herd, Armagh.
NI Simmental Club vice-chairman Andrew Clarke sold the first prize winning Breaghey Class K393 for 2,900gns. This thirteen-month-old heifer was sired by Omorga Volvo, and bred from Breaghey Class I286 – reserve champion at the club’s 2018 Heifer Derby. Highest bidder was Francis Lively from Rathfriland, County Down.
A cow and calf consigned by Gareth Wilson, Enniskillen, sold for 3,900gns. The January 2013 Ashland Ella Beauty EX90 was sired by Kilbride Farm Ahoghill, and bred from the Raceview Nigel daughter Ashland Beauty 2nd. She was accompanied by her sixth calf, the seven-month-old Curaheen Gunshot daughter, Hillhead Farm Miss Beauty P. P’d in-calf and due February 2022 to Curaheen Gunshot, this outfit was snapped up by Dermot Ronney from Newry, County Down.
A draft entry of heifers from Harry and John Moore’s Omorga prefix topped at 4,700gns, and saw six heifers change hands to average £3,517 each.
The eleven-month-old Omorga Lorelle topped the Omorga draft at 4,700gns
Leading the Moore family’s offering was the eleven-month-old Omorga Lorelle. This Curaheen Drifter daughter, is out of the home-bred Dermotstown Delboy dam, Omorga Joy – maternal sister to Omorga Volvo. She joins Robin Boyd’s Slievenagh Herd at Portglenone.
Omorga Lois sold at 4,400gns for Harry and John Moore.
A draft entry of heifers from Noel and Mae Kilpatrick’s Ballymoney Herd, Banbridge, topped at 2,700gns, with five selling to average £2,289 each.
The March 2019 Ballymoney Kirstie sold for 2,700gns to Ian Magill from Millisle, County Down. Sired by Curaheen Earp, she was bred from the Celtic Rock daughter Ballylane Heather ET.
Bull trade topped at 2,800gns, paid to Garvagh veterinary surgeon Nevin Smith for the first prize winning Edenbann Lionheart. This July 2020 entry was sired by the homebred Edenbann Emperor TSI+68 SRI+74, a son of the 20,000gns Auchorachan Wizard, and bred from Edenbann Amanda by Glebefarm Rocky. Buyer was Martin Smyth from Castlerock, County Londonderry.
The male champion Breaghey Lord Enniskillen sold at 2,600gns for Andrew Clarke. Born in June 2020, he was sired by the home-bred Breaghey Jeronimo, and is out of the Dermotstown Delboy daughter Breaghey Vida 1. He sold to Samuel Barbour from Annalong, County Down.
The ten-month-old cross-bred Simmental heifer ‘Miss Crumble’ sold for £2,750 at the Simmental Spectacular held at Dungannon.
A strong trade in the commercial section of the sale was topped at £2,750 by a ten-month-old heifer.
Consigned by Alan Burleigh from County Fermanagh, the much-admired cross-bred heifer known as ‘Miss Crumble’ sold to Michael McNally from Cookstown, County Tyrone.
Six-month-old commercial heifers realised £1,460 for Gareth Bryson, Cookstown; and £1,450 for Andrew Clarke, Tynan, who also sold a February-born heifer (8mths) for £1,650.
Eamon McCloskey, Kilrea, realised £1,650 for a November 2020 heifer (11mths); while Ryan Gilmour sold a July 2020 born heifer(15mths) for £1,680.
The McCloskey family from Kilrea, Eamon, Ciara, Shannon and Patrick, sold the third placed Drumagarner Lee for 3,600gns at the 50th Anniversary Simmental Spectacular, held at Dungannon.
Results from the judging ring:
Class 1, bull born between 15/02/20 and 16/04/20 – 1, and reserve male champion, David Gilmore, Inishargy Lambada 20 PP ET by Coose Gambler; 2, Cecil Chartres and David Farrell, Lakeside Lucky by Lakeside Jonny; 3, Alan Wilson, Bannhill Farm Lucifer by Saltire Impressive.
Male champion Breaghey Lord Enniskillen realised 2,600gns for Andrew Clarke, Tynan.
Class 2, bull born between 16/05/20 and 07/06/20 – 1, and male champion, Breaghey Lord Enniskillen by Breaghey Jeronimo; 2, Nevin Smith, Edenbann Lancelot ET by Woodhall Ferrari; 3, Sean Burns, Longbeach Levi by Clonagh Tiger Gallant.
Class 3, bull born between 12/07/20 and 20/09/20 – 1, Nevin Smith, Edenbann Lionheart by Edenbann Emperor; 2, William and George Nelson, Drumacritten Levi by Saltire Impressive.
Class 4, heifer born between 25/10/19 and 20/03/20 – 1, and reserve female champion, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 39th by Curaheen Bandit; 2, Brian, Linda and Craig Cowan, Owenskerry Kenya by Curaheen Dickens; 3, Eamon McCloskey, Drumagarner Lee by Team Celtic.
Class 5, heifer born between 01/04/20 and 11/05/20 – 1, and female champion, Ranfurly Weikel 40th L10 by Samark Superman; 2, AW Reaney and Sons, Cladymore Lady ET by Kilbride Farm Dragoon; 3, AW Reaney and Sons, Cladymore Lovely ET by Dermotstown Delboy.
Class 6, heifer born between 15/05/20 and 16/07/20 – 1, Nevin Smith, Edenbann Lynette ET by Islavale Frontier; 2, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Lizabel by Denizes Fantastic; 3, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Ladybird by Denizes Fantastic.
First prize heifer Breaghey Class K393 came under the hammer at 2,900gns for Andrew Clarke.
Class 7, heifer born between 06/09/20 and 04/01/20 – 1, Andrew Clarke, Breaghey Class K393 by Omorga Volvo; 2, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Weikel 40 L13 by Omorga Murray; 3, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Kleeb 45th L20 by Team Celtic.
The fourth placed Scribby Farms Leonardo ET sold at 2,500gns for Keith and Andrea Nelson, Rosslea. Dungannon auctioneer Trevor Wylie in the rostrum during the 50th Anniversary Simmental Spectacular. British Simmental Cattle Society president Stewart Stronach judged the NI Club’s 50th Anniversary show and sale, held at Dungannon.
• 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.
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
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.
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