· 26,000gns is the second top price for a Simmental bull sold at auction in the UK, and a new Welsh record for a British Simmental.
· Sale average up by £1443 to a breed record £6482 for the 64 bulls sold.
· Excellent clearance rate of 82%, up by 15%, and the highest in the sale week.
· Six bulls made over 10,000gns, with 28 in all making 6000gns or more.
· 26,000gns was the all-breeds top sale price in the week.
Pistyll Kingsman
The June 2019 born Pistyll Kingsman 19, all the way from Wales and Messrs GA & HM Francis, Pistyll Uchaf, Abergorlech, Carmarthen, sold for 26,000gns to lead a strong demand for Simmental bulls at United Auction’s Livestock Centre, Stirling, on Saturday 27th February. Pistyll Kingsman is by Woodhall Ferrari 14, who has bred bulls to 14,000gns at Stirling, and is out of Woodhall Evangeline.
Paying the sale top price was Richard McCulloch with the bull joining his noted Overhill House herd at Armadale, West Lothian that comprises of 40 pedigrees and 160 pure Simmentals in all. Speaking after the sale Mr McCulloch said: “This is just my type of Simmental bull. He’s very square at the back, as long as a train, stylish with a cracking head and a good colour. He’s a modern bull and has all the attributes to a terrific breeding bull.” Mr McCulloch had first seen the bull on the Simmental Market website and was impressed by the pictures and videos. Backing up the qualities of the bull was the attraction of the Woodhall breeding on both sides of the pedigree, breeding he was very familiar with. Of the second highest price paid for a Simmental, Mr McCulloch commented: “I think this is an outstanding pedigree Simmental bull and the price paid is the type of investment that’s required for a bull of this quality to take the herd forward.” From here the first aim will be to take semen from Pistyll Kingsman before putting him to the spring calvers. Late in the day Richard McCulloch also bought the last bull in the ring, Mavsey Klansman, from Jonathan Gunn, for 6000gns and who he described as ‘a young bull with a lot of potential’.
The sale top price was the second highest ever paid for a Simmental bull at auction in the UK and set a new Welsh record for a British Simmental. With a bit of added Welsh flavour to the day, a number of bulls sold at the sale headed to the principality.
For the Francis family, selling bulls at Stirling for the first time in a few years, the 26,000gns was their top price at sale and surpassed an 8000gns figure previously achieved at Perth. With a heavy concentration at home on pedigree sheep, the Pistyll Simmental herd presently comprises of 12 pedigree cows. Commenting on their top price bull, Aneirin Francis said: “From birth he was always a good calf. We took him to the Welsh Simmental Calf Show at Carmarthen at the back end of 2019 where he did well, but we could see the forward potential in him then to make a really good bull. At Stirling we thought he was one of the better bulls but you can never anticipate such a price. We are delighted with the sale and to set a Welsh record, and hope Kingsman goes on to do well in the Overhill House herd.”
The sale as a whole, held under the ongoing and unusual Covid circumstances, saw a strong demand led by both pedigree and commercial producers looking for first quality Simmental bulls. 64 bulls in all sold from the 78 forward to set a new breed record average of £6482, up by £1443 on the year, and with an 82% clearance rate being the highest in the week. Six bulls made over 10,000gns with 28 in all making 6000gns and more. The 26,000gns top price was the leading all-breeds price in the sale week. As is typical, the majority of the bulls sold to Scottish buyers and with a number of purchases heading to Orkney. The sale however also saw a strong Simmental demand from across the UK and with bulls going to Wales, Northumberland, Cumbria, Herefordshire, Yorkshire, Hertfordshire & Northants. Once again, and continuing the trend, there was a ready demand for dark, long, clean, modern bulls, with good figures and an emphasis on milk.
Backmuir Kraken
The second top price was 15,000gns for Backmuir Kraken 19 from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith. April 2019 born, Kraken is the first son to be sold at sale by Islavale Hamilton 16 and is out of the dam, Starline Kreole 11th. A bull with ‘good power and style, and very correct in his legs’, the 15,000gns is the top sale price to date for the Backmuir Simmental herd. This was another bull to head south of the border and to the new pedigree herd of AR Bulmer, Coultas Farm, Malton, North Yorkshire. Commenting, Mr Bulmer said: “I’d seen the bull previously on Facebook and Simmental Market. He’s a great example of the Simmental breed with a good top line, a nice head, and being very correct. I wanted a bull with a bit of size to breed heifers and the plan is for him to go in with the females in May.” Mr Bulmer has already purchased 12 pedigree females including a batch from the Corskie herd.
Islavale Kacy
At 11,500gns was Islavale Kacy 19 from Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith, Banffshire. March 2019 born this bull, early in the sale, was by Corskie Highlander and out of the Curaheen Bandit daughter Islavale Fantasia. Described pre-sale ‘as possibly the best Corskie Highlander son yet from the Islavale Herd’, Islavale Kacy 19 had strong performance figures for calving ease, growth, and milk, and with both parents classified as EX. Buying the package of pedigree and performance was commercial producer C&G Thomson, Wester Tulloch, Midmar, Aberdeenshire. Other Islavale bulls in the sale made 7200gns, 6500gns, and 6000gns with a big team of 10 bulls in all, featuring a number of the younger entries, averaging well over £6000.
Drumsleed Kingsman
At 11,000gns was Drumsleed Kingsman 19 from the longstanding Drumsleed Simmental herd of Mr GW Smith, Drumsleed, Fordoun, Laurencekirk. A May 2019 born bull, Drumsleed Kingsman is entirely homebred being by Drumsleed Hivy, the 2019 Royal Highland Champion, and out of Drumsleed Farina 14 who herself has a strong show record. Described as a ‘tall bull with great length, a super temperament, and good figures for milk’, this bull was sold to the establishing Riverdee herd of Emma Smith, Bankhead Farm, Portlethen, Aberdeenshire. For the Drumsleed herd, who run approximately 100 cattle, the 11,000gns equalled their top sale price to date paid for Drumsleed Eldorado in 2014. On the day, Drumsleed sold six bulls in all to average £5,550.
Knockreagh Kilroy
From Northern Ireland, Knockreagh Kilroy 19 (ET) made 10,000gns for Val & Conrad Fagen, Rostrevor, County Down. A May 2019 born bull, Kilroy is by Dermotstown Delboy and is out of the Corrick Kentucky Kid sired Omorga Dorcas. Featured in this bull’s pedigree is the noted Cleenagh Daffodil with Omorga Dorcas being the 60th calf registered from this prolific female. On the sire side the well-known Dermotstown Delboy has had progeny previously sell up to 11,500gns. Heading to the north of Scotland, this bull was snapped up by Wm Barnetson & Sons, Lynegar Farm, Wick, Caithness. For the eight cow Knockreragh herd, the 10,000gns represented their top sale price to date and eclipsing the 8000gns achieved at Stirling in 2013.
Blackford Kirk
The final five figure bull was the 10,000gns paid for Blackford Kirk 19 from Mr WG MacPherson (A Firm), Blackford Farm, Croy, Inverness. A ‘well fleshed, long bull, with good locomotion’, this bull is by the noted Blackford Galaxy, who the same herd has had bulls by sell up to 11,000gns. He is out of Silver Wells Belle, a full sister to the dam of Bel Dhu Capercaillie, Blackford Wagtail. Purchasing this bull for use on their 40 strong herd, and another to go south of the border, was Heathbrow Farming Partnership, at High Heath Farm, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
Grangewood Kingdom
Mr & Mrs AS&YA Leedham, Rowan Farm, Pickering, North Yorkshire sold two bulls from their Grangewood herd at 9500gns and 8000gns. The herd’s top price of 9500 came in the shape of the August 2019 born Grangewood Kingdom 19. Entirely homebred this calf is by Grangewood Glenlivet 15 and is out of Grangewood Carla. A thick, well-muscled, dark bull, Kingdom is from a good female line with his grandmother breeding Grangewood Baron, the Junior Champion at Stirling in 2012 who sold for 19,000gns. Grangewood Kingdom, who had very good calving ease, and milk figures was one of a number of bulls selling to Orkney when purchased by Terry Coghill, Muce, Birsay. At 8000gns was one of the younger bulls in the catalogue, the October 2019 born Grangewood Kingpin. Again homebred, this bull is by the aforementioned Grangewood Baron 10, and is out of Grangewood Sahara’s Gold. Buying this bull was Mr VC Bailey, Mixbury Hall Farm, Brackley, Northants. Commenting, Mr Bailey said: “Kingpin is a long, stylish, smart bull, with plenty of length and shape. He has great breed characteristics, a lot of milk in his breeding, and looks like he will produce lovely females. We very much like his breeding and look forward to using him in the 80-cow pedigree herd.”
Auchorachan Kennedy
The Auchorachan herd of D&R Durno & Sons, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballandalloch enjoyed a good day’s trading with Auchorachan Kennedy 19 leading the way at 9,000gns. This September 2019 bull is by Auchorachan Hercules and is out of Auchorachan Gypsy EX 90. Another with good milk figures, he went to the noted 160-cow Newbiemains pedigree herd of Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Dumfriesshire. Commenting, Jim Goldie said: “This bull is a long, clean modern type of Simmental. He’s growthy, with a lot of potential and future in him. I’m a strong advocate of the classifying system and he’s out of three generations of EX cows on his dam’s side, and with Auchorachan Hercules dam also classified EX93. We’ll put the bull to a good batch of cows and heifers this spring time.” Auchorachan Kennedy was one of the first group of bulls at sale by the herd sire Auchorachan Hercules, an Auchorachan ACDC son. Selling at 8000gns from the same home was Auchorachan King Kong. Another September 2019 born bull, King Kong is out of Auchorachan Genie, a strong breeding female in the herd. Auchorachan King Kong was purchased by J Duff & Son, Broomknowe, Brechin, Angus. Two lots earlier, at 7,800gns was Auchorachan Krypton. Another by Auchorachan Hercules, this August 2019 born calf, out of Curaheen Heddy, was knocked down to Messrs A&B Munro who run the Well House pedigree herd at Wellhouse, Beauly, Inverness-shire.
Manor Park Kelvin
At 8,800gns was Manor Park Kelvin from Mr DC Houldey, Kirkleton House, Waterbeck, Lockerbie. A son of the 22,000gns Kilbride Farm Foreman, this calf is out of Manor Park Cherie a Shanehill Victor daughter. Another bull to head north, Manor Park Kelvin was bought by commercial producer A Anderson & Son, Nether Tillygarmond, Banchory, Kincardineshire. Speaking after the sale Mr Anderson said: “I’m very happy to buy this bull. He’s full of style and just immediately caught my eye when being paraded in the ring. He’ll be used in the 200 cow suckler herd, which are predominantly Simmentals.”
Greencap Kerse
The Greencap herd of Colin Inglis, Dalachy Farm, Aberdour, Fife, also had another good sale day with bulls selling at 8,500gns and 8,000gns respectively. Making the top price of 8,500gns was the September 2019 born, Greencap Kerse. By Woodhall Ferrari 14, the same sire as the sale top price, this heifer’s calf is out of the Denizes Fabio 14 daughter, Greencap Imogen. Purchasing this bull was Cumbrian commercial producer Irving Pearson, Manor Farm, Blencow, Penrith, for his 120 suckler cow herd which comprises of a mixture of pure Simmental and British Blue cross Simmentals all run with the Simmental bull. With an eye on health status, Mr Pearson also considers performance figures before looking at the bull. Commenting he said: “This bull was dark in colour, really had some length, and he both stood and walked very well.” Greencap Kerse will join three other Simmental bulls in the herd. A few lots earlier, Colin Inglis sold the heterozygous polled bull Greencap Klassik for 8000gns to another Cumbrian home and this time RCS Addison, Greystone House, Penrith. By the polled sire Sneumgaard Imperator, this bull is out of Greencap Inga and is another heifer’s calf by Denizes Fabio 14. Speaking after the sale Mr Addison said that he had bought this bull to join his small Lyvennet pedigree herd and to also use him on his dairy herd. “We are organic, and looking to go antibiotic free, and wanted a bull that would be easy calving, quiet, and polled. Looking at the bulls online Greencap Klassik was my first choice so I’m delighted to get him.”
Saltire Kelso
Saltire Kelso, from J&G Houliston, Drem, North Berwick sold for 8000gns. July 2019 born, Saltire Kelso is another bull sired by Woodhall Ferrari 14 and is out of Saltire Felicity, making him a full brother to the 10,500gns Saltire Judge 18, sold in October 2019. Buying this bull, and one of four purchases on the day, was RI & GI Davies, Penlanlwyd, Cefn Gorwydd, Powys. Mr Davies bought further bulls at 7500gns, 5000gns, and 3000gns respectively. The very next lot, Saltire Knockout, made 7000gns when selling to W Smith, Park Farm, Eye, Nr Leominster, Herefordshire. July 2019 born Saltire Knockout is by Saltire Impressive with this being his first progeny at sale. The 16-cow herd generally uses AI just to give a wider choice. Saltire Impressive himself was sold for 14,000gns in October 2018.
From a small show of females, the leading price was the 2400gns paid for the 2013 born Denizes Beauty. An Ashland Tornado daughter out of Ranfurly beauty 5th, she was sold with her December 2020 born bull calf at foot, Denizes Litman 20, by Denizes Impeccable 17. Purchasing this outfit was K&A Graham, Easterton Farm, Doune, Perthshire.
OTHER LEADING SALE PRICES
Lot 42 Glenlossie Kingsman, 7500gns to RI & GI Davies, Penlanlwyd, Cefn Gorwydd, Powys
Lot 24 Islavale Kilt 7200gns, to Arnhall Farms, Edzell, Brechin, Angus.
Lot 37 Finlarg Kingjohn, 7000gns to Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Orkney.
Lot 73 Saltire Knockout, 7000gns to W Smith, Park Farm, Eye, Nr Leominster, Herefordshire.
Lot 76 Finlarg Kansas, 7000gns to John White & Sons, Middlesteads, Selkirk
Lot 130 Fallhills Koby, 6800gns to C Young, Ballintore, Galashiels
Lot 47 Westridge Kristoff, 6500gns to Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Orkney.
Lot 54 Denizes Kaiser, 6500gns to T Dun & Sons, Brothershiels, Midlothian
Lot 77 Kilbride Farm Kanye, 6,500gns to James Moir, Auchorties Farm, Keith, Banffs.
134 Islavale Keg, 6500gns to R Manson, Brodieshill Farm, Forres, Moray.
Lot 7 Islavale Kabul, 6000gns to GJ&E Harper, Broadsea Farm, Inverurie.
122 Drumsleed Krypton, 6000gns to W Nelson & Co, West Brackly, Kinross, Fife.
139 Mavsey Klansman, 6000gns to R McCulloch, Overhill House, West Lothian
A small entry of pedigree bulls sold to a top of 3,500gns at the Northern Ireland Simmental Club’s autumn sale, hosted by Dungannon Farmers’ Mart on Friday, 23rd October.
The sale, generously sponsored by Bimeda, saw four bulls sell to average £2,861 each – an increase of £516 on this time last year.
Claiming the day’s top price, and setting a new herd record of 3,500gns, was local Pomeroy breeder David McElmurry, who established his 12-cow Wellbray herd in 2014. The fifteen-month-old Wellbray Kingbee 19 is sired by Kilbride Farm Warren, and is the first calf from the home-bred Kilbride Farm Dragoon daughter Wellbray Bella.
Kingbee is in the breed’s top 10% for milk and caught the eye of pedigree herd owner Aaron Smyth who runs the 8-cow Gortnacarry Herd alongside a 40-cow commercial suckler enterprise based at Culnady, Maghera. “This bull is a long, clean and deep-bodied, with a level back, breed character and good legs and feet,” said Mr Smyth.
Second highest price of the day at 3,000gns, went to William Nelson, and son George, from Rosslea, for the fourteen-month-old Drumacritten Kyle.
This bull was sired by the 2014 and 2015 Balmoral Show breed champion Dermotstown Delboy, and is out of the home-bred Omorga Volvo daughter Drumacritten Gaby GP84. Ranked in the breed’s top 15% for calving ease at +3, this one sold to suckler farmer David Wright from Caledon.
The same vendors realised 2,400gns for the fourteen-month-old Drumacritten Ken. Another by Dermotstown Delboy, this one is bred from the Omorga Murray daughter Drumacritten April – one of 12 cows in the County Fermanagh herd. Buyer was E Rutledge from Fivemiletown.
Two bulls from the Islavale herd of Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith both made 14,000gns to lead a solid Simmental trade at the Stirling October Bull Sale held at United Auctions Stirling Agricultural Centre on Monday 19th October.
Held under the restricted Covid conditions, the sale saw four bulls making five figures and over, and twenty-six in all selling at 5000gns or more. The fifty-two bulls sold, the most by any breed in the week, averaged a healthy £5589 which was up by £411 on the year. The clearance rate was 64% of the bulls forward.
Bulls to produce top quality breeding females were very much in demand from commercial breeders who led the bidding. Commenting on the bulls, John Roberts of United Auctioneers said: “It was a strong show and there was a ready demand for long, clean bulls with a bit of size and style and with good milk figures.” Bulls sold into all areas of Scotland and into the islands with eleven going to Orkney and further bulls also going to the Isle of Islay, and Isle of Bute.
The first of the Islavale bulls at 14,000gns was the April 2019 born Islavale Kristoff 19. Semen tested prior to sale, this bull is by Corskie Highlander who has had previous sons to 15,000gns, and is out of the seven-year-old Islavale Ethel EX 91. Purchasing the joint top price was Pitgaveny Farms who run the Pitgaveny pedigree herd at Elgin, Morayshire.
Speaking after the sale, Geoff Anderson who manages the herd at Pitgaveny Farms said; “We had seen the Islavale bulls on farm prior to the sale and Islavale Kristoff is just our type of bull. He’s got power, great depth and width, and is good on his legs, just a very complete bull. First and foremost we liked the bull but it is a bonus that he also has some very good performance figures.” The plans for the bull are to put him to some of the herds’ 12 pedigree cows before mainly using him on the 225 strong herd of commercial Simmental cross cows. In the commercial herd females that are not retained as replacements are sold as bulling heifers at 18/19 months, with the male progeny left entire and put through a bull beef system.
Also from the Stronach’s at 14,000gns was Islavale Kai 19. Again April 2019 born, this bull is by Curaheen Giant 2 whose progeny have sold at Stirling up to 16,000gns, and is out of the Popes Laird daughter Islavale Britney. This bull was purchased by commercial producers J&J Pattullo at Sandyford, Kirriemuir, Angus. Commenting, Ian Pattullo said; “This bull was very pleasing to the eye and carried a lot of length and style. We run 150 Simmental x Limousin bulls and are looking to breed our own heifers. This is the most we’ve paid for a bull and it’s very much an investment for the herd to produce and leave the quality of progeny we’re looking for. We want to have plenty of length in our cows and also good milk.” Prior to the sale Mr Pattullo said that he had studied a lot of the bulls and their breeding on the Society’s Simmental Market website which he had found very helpful.
Islavale Kai
From a strong pen of bulls, all pre-sale semen tested, the prolific Islavale herd sold six bulls in all to gross a mighty 50,800gns and to an average of £8,889. Further Islavale bulls sold at 6500, 6000, 5800, and 4500gns.
Another good pen of bulls, semen tested and with excellent performance figures, came in the shape of the offering from the Strathisla herd of Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie. Topping this pen at 11,500gns was the April 2019 born Strathisla Kinloch 19. In the top 1% of the breed for milk and with a Self Replacing Index of +118, this bull is by the noted sire Atlow Dixon 12 EX 91, and is out of Strathisla Foxys Mira VG 88, who is from the ‘best breeding line’ in the herd. Strathisla Kinloch was bought by R&N Barclay, (Harestone Farm), South Road, Insch, Aberdeenshire for their 400-cow commercial herd which is heavily influenced by Simmental genetics. Speaking of his purchase Stuart Barclay said; “The Strathisla bull had extreme length, was clean, and well grown for his age. We liked the breeding with him being by the proven Atlow sire and from a strong female line. We’ll be aiming to use the bull to breed dark red female replacements which in turn will be put to the Charolais bull. We find that combination produces very marketable progeny that meet a ready demand at both Huntly and Thainstone markets commercial sales.” Through the sale the Strathisla herd sold six bulls in all to average an excellent £6352.50.
Strathisla Kinloch
The final bull in the four figure prices was Broombrae Kojac 19 who made 10,000gns for the breeder Mr GL Clark, Broombrae Farm, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Fife. This bull is by the herd sire Lisglass Goldstar 15, who this year won the senior bull class in the Society’s Virtual Show, and is out of the Team Wisconsin daughter Broombrae Delight. Purchasing the March 2019 born Broombrae Kojac 19 was Mr D Lowry who runs the Keeldrum pedigree herd at Newsteadings Farm, Cartland, Lanark. After the sale Mr Lowry said; “This bull is full of breeding and from a very strong female line. I know the sire very well and the mother, Broombrae Delight, is one of the best cows I’ve seen. The bull in himself is long and clean, has a bit of power about him, an excellent top, and is very correct on his legs. This is the most I’ve paid to date for a bull and with the aim of continuing to build the quality in the herd.” The Keeldrum herd presently comprises of seventy plus cows. Through the winter the bull will be given a few cows to settle in before being given a batch of cows in the spring.
Broombrae Kojac
Finishing on a high note, the last bull in the sale ring, the June 2019 born Greencap Kane 19 from Colin Inglis, Dalachy Farm, Aberdour, Fife, made 9000gns. Another bull with strong performance figures, Greencap Kane 19 is by Denizes Fabio 14, and is out of the Omorga Volvo daughter Greencap Darcy. Heading north, Greencap Kane was bought by D&R Durno & Sons for their Auchorachan pedigree herd at Auchorachan Farm, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Of his purchase, Michael Durno said; “I was taken by the length and correctness of this bull and he’s been bought for the pedigree job but will double up with the commercial herd as well. I liked the breeding in the bull and had seen pictures of the cow prior to the sale, and also liked a half-brother of this bull that was sold at Stirling to a pedigree herd last year.”
Mr MA Barlow, Four Oaks, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, sold Denizes Kylian 19 for 8500gns. This January 2019 born bull, carrying width and muscle, had tremendous performance figures across the board for calving ease, milk, and with a top 1% Self Replacing Index. By the homebred stock bull Denizes Hamish, Denizes Kylian is out of Denizes Trixi Belle 3rd. Another bull going to a commercial producer, Denizes Kylian 19 was snapped up by DM Keay & Son, East Balloch, Kirriemuir, Angus.
From the Backmuir team of Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire, the March 2019 born Backmuir Knight 19 made 8000gns. By Corrick Hayden 16, a Kilbride Farm Delboy son, this bull is out of Starline Karina 50th. Heading back to Keith, Backmuir Knight 19 was purchased by EM Smith & Sons, Towiemore, Drummuir, who are top end commercial Simmental consignors at sales at Aberdeen and Northern Marts.
Another from the Simmers, Backmuir Knox 19, also made 7000gns when selling to WJ Fraser & Sons, Auchnarrow, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. April 2019 born, this bull is another by Corrick Hayden 16 and is also out of a Starline female, Starline Eva 23rd. The Starline breeding is from the herd of RH Widdicombe, Ashprington, Totnes, Devon.
Also at 7000gns was Drumsleed Karate 19 from Mr GW Smith, Drumsleed, Fordoun, Lawrencekirk, Aberdeenshire. This March 2019 bull is by Wolfstar Gordy 15, a Team Celtic 11 son, and is out of the Popes Barclay daughter Drumsleed Faye 14. Another bull with excellent performance figures, Drumsleed Karate 19 sold to the islands and N&M McLellan, Kilchiaran Farm, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay. Also a Wolfstar Gordy 15 son, Drumsleed Know-how 19 sold for 6800gns to S&J Urquhart, Bogloch, Lumphannan, Aberdeenshire. An April 2019 born bull, Drumsleed Know-how is out of the nine year old Drumsleed Calypso. Further bulls from the Drumsleed herd sold for 5500, 5000, and 3500gns to yield a very solid average.
Other leading prices:
Lot 636 6500gns Islavale Kiddo to AH Smith, Low Arkland Farm, Celton, Castle Douglas, Kirkudbrightshire.
Lot 644 6000gns Islavale Kuzco to Scottish Government Bull Stud, Knocknagael, Inverness
Lot 633 5800gns Islavale Khan to GW & KP Lawrie, Hillhead of Careston, By Brechin, Angus.
Lot 666 5800gns Strathisla Kruger to A&J Craig, Craigton, castle Douglas, Kirkudbrightshire.
Lot 603 5500gns Drumsleed Kayak to G Angus & Co, Binzian Farm, Forgandenny, Perth.
Lot 610 5500gns Jaw Kabull to T Clark & Sons, Abbey farm, Madderty, Crieff
Lot 620 5500gns Team Knockout 19 to R McNee Ltd, Woodend Farm, Armadale, West Lothian
Lot 670 5500gns Annick Kevlar to C&M Bruce, Tillyeve, Udny, Ellon.
DENIZES FEMALE ‘OUTFIT’ SELLS TO 5500GNS
From the small female offering the seven year old Denizes Melody 17th, from Mr MA Barlow, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, along with her polled bull calf at foot, Denzies Lynx made 5500gns when selling as separate lots. Denizes Melody 17th, an Ashland Tornado daughter Pd’d in calf to Blackford Galaxy, was bought by Fulton Ronald, Duntuim, Aberfeldy, for 2700gns, whilst Denizes Lynx, a Slievenagh International 17 (PP) sired calf was bought for 2800gns by GMR & FM Sandison, Hindatoon, Harray, Orkney.
A further seven year old cow Cairnview Sonia 2nd and her bull calf at foot Cairnview Loyal 20, from Mr AJ Wilson, Westcroft Farm, Kilwinning, Ayrshire made a combined 5100gns when sold as separate lots but both being snapped up by WR Simmers & Sons, Backmuir, Keith, Banffshire. Cairnview Sonia 2nd, a Bruchag Awesome 09 9 daughter and AI’d to Woodhall Ferrari, made 2100gns, whilst her bull calf, Cairnview Loyal 20, sired by Woodhall Ferrari, made 3000gns.
The Denizes herd also made 4800gns when selling the March 2017 born first calved heifer Denizes Trixie Belle 12 to OF W Stevenson, Ballingry Farm, Ballingry, Fife. This heifer is by Dinton Nautical and out of Denizes Trixi Belle 8. She was sold, Pd’d in calf to Blackford Galaxy, with her May 2020 born polled heifer calf at foot, Denizes Trixi Belle 17, by Slievenagh International 17 (PP).
Animals sold to Scotland, England, Wales, Republic of Ireland, & N Ireland
The much anticipated third production sale from the Ranfurly and Ballinalare pedigree Simmental herds, held on Friday 4th September at Dungannon Farmers Mart, met with a strong demand and a healthy trade that saw a top price of 7000gns, and further prices of 5600gns, 5500gns, 5200gns. In all eleven lots from the forty-three sold made 4000gns or more. The sale attracted interest from all over the UK and Ireland with animals selling to Scotland, England, Wales, republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Many of the lots were sold through online bidding in addition to the registered audience at ringside.
Taking the top price at 7000gns for Mr WD & JD Hazelton, Cohannon House, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, was the January 2019 born heifer Ranfurly Beauty 13th K2. By Grinalta’s Excel 8N, she is out of Ranfurly Beauty 8th F9 (ET). Beauty’s dam is a genetic full sister to Curaheen Tyson, Vio and Bandit, the same cow family as the 16,500gns Beauty 5th C4. Heading over to Scotland this heifer was purchased by Mr WS Stronach for his well-known Islavale herd at Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, Banffshire. Commenting on his purchase Stewart Stronach, who had travelled over to N Ireland last week to see the Ranfurly cattle before bidding online on sale day, said: “I really liked what I saw across all of the sale cattle, they were ready for the sale, not over done, and looking 100%. Ranfurly Beauty 13th K2 is just our style of heifer with a lot of potential for the future. She brings something different in the bloodlines for us to try being by the Canadian bull and combines that with proven breeding in the dam line.” The Islavale herd presently comprises of 150 pedigree breeding females run with 50 commercial Simmental cows.
The Ranfurly herd put forward eighteen lots on the day which averaged a terrific £4243.75. Founded in 1971 the Ranfurly herd has consistently been a top performing pedigree Simmental herd both within the sale and show ring. Offering a high health status and a depth of breeding, the herd presently comprises of seventeen cows all of which are classified as excellent or very good. Commenting after the sale a delighted David Hazelton said: “We are extremely pleased with the sale and trust that the cattle go on to do well for their new owners. Over the years we’ve placed emphasis on proven cow families being mated to proven bulls. Focusing on the market place we are trying to breed cattle that are relevant to both the pedigree breeder and commercial producer. To do this we’ve used performance recording and the classification scheme as helpful tools which has worked to advantage.”
The day’s second top price was the 5600gns paid for the maiden heifer Ranfurly Weikel 30th K1. January 2019 born this heifer, which was a junior heifer class winner at the NI Simmental National Show at Omagh in 2019, is by Cleenagh Flasher and is out of Ranfurly Weikel 18th H2. Another to go over the water, this animal was purchased by B & E Chadwick for their Chadston pedigree herd at The Hedgerows, Hilton, Derby.
From the same breeding line Ranfurly Weikel 27th J16 sold for 5500gns to M Quinn, Dunamore Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone. A rising two year old, this heifer is by Team Celtic 11 and is out of Ranfurly Weikel 4th W20 whose previous progeny had sold to 9100gns at the herd’s first production sale. Ranfurly Weikel 27th J16 carried an impressive Milk figure of +21 and was sold PD’d in calf to Curaheen Bandit.
The very last lot in the ring, Ranfurly Weikel 38th L5, confirmed the day’s strong trade when making 5200gns. January 2020 born, this heifer calf is by Carnkern Titan and out of the noted South Park King Kong Weikel 2nd EX 93. Combining pedigree and performance, Weikel 38th L5 is a full sister to Ranfurly Formula One, Supreme Champion at Stirling October 2016, who sold for 15000gns. Purchasing this calf was SP McDonald who runs the pedigree Coolcran herd at Coolcran, Tempo, Co Fermanagh.
The top price in the Ballinalare herd offering from Mr J & Mr A Wilson, Dorans Hill, Newry, Co. Down, was the 4900gns paid for Bannhill Farm Jinx. April 2018 born this heifer, scanned in calf to Rabawn Ernie, is by the noted Raceview King, and is out of Ballinalare Farm Fleur, an Auchoracan Wizard daughter. This calf was snapped up by Mr DG Rooney for their Veaghmore pedigree herd at Ballymartin, Newry, Co Down. The second top price from the Wilson’s offering was the 4400gns paid for the September 2018 bor Bannhill Farm Juliet. This heifer, by Kilbride Farm Bantry and out of Ballinalare Farm Fuscia, was sold scanned in calf to the noted Camus Brandy. Heading to the Republic of Ireland, this heifer was bought by G Neenan, Coolnafarna, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.
At 4800gns was the September 2018 born Ranfurly Kleeb 41st J14. With a full brother having previously sold at Stirling for 6500gns, this heifer is another by Team Celtic 11 and is out of Ranfurly Kleeb 32nd D14 EX 92. Again with a strong Milk figure of +17, Ranfurly Kleeb 41st J14 was bought by Mr JN Glasgow for his Bridgewater Farm herd at Creevagh Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.
The good trade for maiden heifers continued with the April 2019 born Ranfurly Weikel 32nd K10 making 4600gns when selling to the Lisglass herd of JL & CJ Weatherup, Irish Hill, Ballyclare, Co Antrim. By Anatrim Bodybuilder this heifer is out of Ranfurly Weikel 20th H6 VG, making her the first granddaughter of South Park King Kong Weikel 2nd EX93 to be sold.
The very next lot, and from similar breeding, Ranfurly Weikel 34th K12 sold for 4500gns. This ET calf is by Salisbury Challenger and out of the noted South Park King Kong Weikel 2nd EX93. Buying this lot was W McKittrick, Ternagreeve Road, Loughgall.
21 bulls sell to average £4814.15 Simmental average up on the year by £375.15 5 Islavale bulls average £6794 Islavale Jammydodger 18 from Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, sold for 7600gns to lead the trade for Simmental bulls from United Auctions’ Stirling Bull Sales May catalogue. From a strong line-up of bulls offered from the herd, Islavale sold five bulls in all at over 6000gns to gross £33,968 at an average of £6794.
Due to the lockdown and restrictions in place with the Covid-19 pandemic, this years’ sale was conducted via direct marketing instead of a live sale at Stirling Agricultural Centre. A very solid demand for Simmental bulls has seen 21 sell to date to average £4814.15, up by a mighty £375.15. Of the six breeds offered for sale in the catalogue, only one other breed saw an increase in averages on the year.
Islavale Jammydodger
The November 2018 born Islavale Jammydodger, the youngest catalogued Islavale bull, is by the AI sire Team Celtic 11 and is out of Islavale Elisha EX 91, a Curaheen Bandit daughter. Heading down south and to a pedigree home, Islavale Jammydoger was purchased by Rhys Grenham, Boars Head Farm, Crowborough, Sussex to join his Boars Head Simmental herd.
Commenting, Mr Grenham said: “We saw the bull advertised in the pre-sale catalogue, and whilst we hadn’t seen him in the flesh we saw the pictures of him and also spoke to Stewart Stronach. The bull has a combination of good breeding and performance figures that we like. We could see in the pics, and now confirmed when he’s home, he’s got terrific conformation, length, width and power, and carries a real Simmental presence.”
After settling into his new surrounds, Islavale Jammydodger will be heading out to work in the herd which presently comprises of 10 pedigree cows with youngstock coming through behind. The Boars Head herd was established in the early 1970s and has carried on through three generations to present. “We very much try and produce the best stock we can to sell good Simmental bulls commercially, and to support pedigree sales with both bulls and females. Purchasing Islavale Jammydodger is an investment for the herd to continue to meet that quality aim”, said Mr Grenham.
The Simmental breed has enjoyed a strong trade into the Scottish islands in recent years and this was continued when the second top priced bull, Islavale Jordi 18 (TF) also from the Stronach family, sold for 6500gns to JR Rendall, Whitehow, Orkney. This bull, October 2018 born, is by the herd’s stock bull Corskie Highlander and is out of another Curaheen Bandit daughter, Islavale Topaz 3. A maternal half-brother to the noted 25,000gns Corskie Gingersnap, Corskie Highlander’s first calf at sale for the Islavale herd, Islavale Jackpot, made the 15,000gns sale top price when selling at Stirling in October 2019.
Islavale Jordi
Continuing the May 2020 sale run, Islavale Javelin 18 sold for 6250gns. This calf is sired by Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94, and is out of Islavale Freda, a Woodhall Walker daughter. October 2018 born, Islavale Javelin was purchased by Islay Estates, Isle of Islay. A prolic sire, Ranfurly Confederate sons have previously sold up to 24,000gns for the Islavale herd. Heading to the same buyer was Islavale Javan at 6000gns. October 2018 born, Islavale Javan is by Atlow Dixon 12 and is out of another Woodhall Walker daughter, Islavale Cassie. Islavale Javan is a full brother to Islavale Gambler who was the Overall Simmental Champion at Stirling in February 2017.
The last bull at 6000gns was Islavale Jabba who was purchased by Gavin Brown for his Springfield pedigree herd at Springfield Farm, Penicuik. This bull, November 2018 born is by the Team Celtic 11 son, Wolfstar Elusive 13, and is out of Islavale Eleanor, another Curaheen Bandit daughter.
Selling at 5200gns was the polled bull Corskie Journal PP 18 from Mr WJ & J Green, Fochabers, Moray. This November 2018 bull is by Linde General and is out of Lykke Isabella who was imported from Denmark as a heifer after Iain Green judged her as overall junior female champion at the Danish National Simmental Show in 2015. Buying this bull was J C McLaren & Partners, for their Dargill pedigree herd at Crieff, Perthshire. The Corskie herd also sold the Auchoracan Farmer 14 sired Corskie Joking to J Gordon, Wester Clunie for 4800gns.
Raymond Kennedy, Auctioneer and Sales Executive at United Auctions, said: “There has been a tremendous entry of bulls available in both numbers and quality at the May Bull Sale. While it has been unfortunate for all involved not to have the usual sales platform, vendors and buyers have adapted quickly and all those involved are confident that the right customers have found the right bulls to best suit their individual needs.
“The online catalogue continues to be regularly updated and there is still an excellent selection of bulls available for sale to suit all needs and budgets. For any enquiries do not hesitate to contact our sales team.”
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