by Rachel Foley | Mar 13, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025, Uncategorised
Showcasing tremendous longevity and prolificacy, it’s a big happy birthday to the noted Simmental bull Team Celtic who yesterday, 12th March, enjoyed his 14th birthday at home in the Wolfstar herd of Ross King, and his parents Alex and Marion, at Ormiston, East Lothian.
Team Celtic pictured in 2016
A gold star example of the traits and all round value the Simmental breed is renowned for, Team Celtic has been used on commercial cows as well as pedigree cows and has sired close on 300 calves at Wolfstar. Through AI in herds across the UK, he also has some 377 pedigree progeny to his name, confirming his status as one of the most influential modern sires in the British Simmental Herdbook.
Born on the 12th March 2011, Team Celtic was bred by Robert MacGregor, Kirkton of Mailler, Craigend, Perth. He is sired by Auchorachan Winger, a Clonagh Tiger Gallant son, and is out of the Tilbrook Noble daughter, Team Kiwi 4, herself a twin to a female. Rolling on to the Stirling Simmental Sale in October 2012 and it was there that the Kings first set eyes on him and paid what has turned out to be a ‘bargain’ 11,000gns price! Commenting Ross King said: “At the Stirling Sale, Celtic just had a great growth and length, and we thought he was a very natural bull with lots of potential in him. We liked his pedigree and thought he was an obvious choice to complement our cows at the time.”
Team Celtic on sale day at Stirling in 2012 and where he made 11,000gns
It has proven to be a shrewd investment and from the outset Team Celtic bred consistently well producing both quality bulls and females. “We have no doubt that Celtic’s progeny was a formative part in putting the Wolfstar herd on the map and getting it noticed. In large measure it’s his success that made us grow the pedigree herd from 40 to 70 pedigree cows.”
The quality of the progeny, allied to some ‘cannae’ marketing on Facebook and in the Society’s Review publication, quickly grew a lot of interest and demand for Team Celtic genetics: ’All marketing of the semen has been carried out by ourselves, but again it’s his progeny that has done most of the talking. Catherine MacGregor also took some great photos of him in his prime and that enabled us to share how well he had matured,” says Ross.
Team Celtic sons have done extremely well at Stirling Sales, with many prize and section winners, and two Overall Supreme Champions. At the recent 2025 February Simmental Sale at Stirling, the breed record breaking 56,000gns Hemingford Prince Charming was sired by a Team Celtic son, Saltire Jaguar. At the same sale Wolfstar Prototype, and Wolfstar Pocket Rocket both sold for 14,000gns, and with Celtic sons at Stirling from the Wolfstar herd alone having now averaged over a terrific £11,900. The top price Team Celtic sired bull to date is the 28,000gns Islavale Magnum from WS Stronach, Keith, purchased by Delfur Farms, Aberlour in October 2022.
Team Celtic son Islavale Magnum 28,000gns
Continuing Ross says: “It’s the bulls that get the headlines but we believe that his females are actually better! As a herd we don’t show so Celtic’s heifers don’t get the same exposure the bulls do. Just mentioning two daughters but we think Wolfstar Flame is probably the best animal Team Celtic has bred here, and Wolfstar Forget-Me-Not has bred two bulls at 17,000gns (Wolfstar Jimmy Choo, and Wolfstar Nobleman).”
Wolfstar Forget-Me-Not, dam of two 17,000gns Wolfstar bulls.
Other Simmental herds have enjoyed great success in the show ring with Team Celtic breeding and including the multi-titled Annick Ginger’s Lucia, the 2024 Individual Interbreed Champion at the Royal Highland, from Reece & Andrew Simmers Backmuir herd, who is by the Team Celtic sired Wolfstar Gold Digger. The 2022 English National Show Champion came in the shape of Popes Princess Lumi from the Wood family, Dutton, Preston, and with Popes Princess Noor, from the same home, taking the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show title. Both are Team Celtic daughters. Back in the sale ring, and the 37,000gns top price at Stirling in May 2024 was Denizes Nugget from MA Barlow & Sons, Leyland, Lancashire and who is out of the Team Celtic daughter Ashland Topaz Janet.
Team Celtic daughter Popes Princess Lumi, Supreme & Female Champion 2022 English National Show
Backing up his pedigree and performance in the sale and show ring, and through the strength of his progeny, Team Celtic’s figures feature at the top end of many of the breed’s terminal and maternal traits (and with high levels of accuracy). Celtic is in the top 1% for 200; 400; and 600 day growth; Maternal (Milk); and Carcase Weight. His Terminal Production Index and Self Replacing Index values are also both in the breed’s top 1%. “Team Celtic’s progeny have just continued to improve his figures” says Ross. “The biggest change has been his Maternal (Milk) EBV. Since buying him as a young bull, and after his daughters started calving, his Milk figures just pushed on to one point where he had the highest breed figures for the trait”
Here he is and looking sprightly, the birthday boy Team Celtic, pictured yesterday 12th March 2025
So how is the birthday boy now and after his big day. “Celtic is showing his age a bit now but he really is still very fit and mobile. Visitors have always been impressed with his locomotion even with his size and power. At 14 he is still eager to work, but we are selective with the females we put to him, and last year he just got a handful of heifers. We know we are into bonus years but so long as he is fit and healthy he will stay with us at Wolfstar. He’s leaving a huge legacy here and is very much one of the family now..”, says Ross. Well said that man!
Commenting BSCS General Manager Iain Kerr said: “It’s a great story of a working bull, leaving his mark and legacy in a herd and a breed, and at a human level with a family, that I’m sure will resonate with a lot of cattle breeders. Team Celtic continues to be a hugely influential bull in the Simmental breed and the Wolfstar herd, and that is a great credit to the King family picking and purchasing him in the first instance, and for their herd management of him thereafter. With over 600+ progeny, many of which have proven to be both high end pedigree breeding bulls and females, Team Celtic really has generated a significant ‘one-bull economy’ with what will be a huge collective monetary value, as well as a breeding legacy. We market and promote the Simmental breed for it’s efficiency, what it brings in both its leading maternal and terminal traits, and for its longevity. Team Celtic is a gold star example of this and we wish him a very Happy Birthday!
by Rachel Foley | Feb 19, 2025 | 2025 East Anglia News, 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025 Stirling Sales, 2025
94 SIMMENTAL BULLS SMASH THE BREED RECORD AVERAGE TO SET NEW MARK OF £9,832, UP £2,334 ON THE YEAR
• 56,000gns a new UK, & European record for a Simmental bull
• Commercial producers buying bulls up to £20k
• Four bulls sell at 20,000gns and over
• 26 bulls in all sell for 10,000gns and over
• Strong Clearance rate of 81%
• Simmental sells the most bulls over the Stirling fortnight
Overall & Intermediate Champion Hemingford Prince Charming 56,000gns
Records were well and truly smashed in an incredible day’s trading at the Stirling Simmental bull sale held on at United Auctions on Monday 17th February. Reaching dizzy new heights never seen before, 94 bulls, the most sold of any breed over the Stirling fortnight, surged to a remarkable average of £9832, up by a mighty £2334 on last year’s record figure! At the close of the sale, the average was a new all-breeds record for any beef breed at a UK auction.
Front and centre of the day was the 56,000gns paid for the pre-sale Overall Supreme Champion, Hemingford Prince Charming, from James & Rachel Griffin, Hemingford Abbots, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and which is a UK and European record for a Simmental sold at auction. The new mark eclipsed the 46,000gns paid for Overhill House Neo in October 2023.
A packed ringside ensured a strong trade from the ‘get go’ and with the sale being underpinned by the demand from commercial producers. Through the sale four bulls made over 20,000gns and with 26 in all surpassing the five figure price. Bulls entirely for commercial use sold up to 20,000gns and with many featuring in the five figure prices.
Commenting after the sale, a delighted BSCS President Chris Martindale said: “It’s been a special sale for the breed and I’d like to congratulate all of the vendors on the standard of the Simmental bulls they continue to bring forward. To have an average of just under £10,000, up by £2334 on the year, and to sell the most bulls of the breeds over the Stirling fortnight, shows a tremendous confidence in the modern Simmental breed. A trend of the day was so many bulls going to commercial producers with one at 20,000gns and any number in the teens and the highest prices. Quality bulls were in demand and easily sold and there were new buyers, repeat buyers, and bulls going to all parts of the UK which was great to see. Commercial producers are future proofing their suckler herds with Simmental genetics and getting the benefits in milk, easy calving, fertility, and ability to rear a quality calf year on year. There’s also recognition of the breeds proven abilities in age at slaughter and daily carcase gain, and adding this all up it’s driving the demand for the breed to new levels with commercial producers. Of course the icing on the cake today has been the new European Simmental record price of 56,000gns for James and Rachel Griffin’s Hemingford Prince Charming. Everybody is just over the moon for James and Rachel, and he really is a super Simmental bull.”
So to the day’s top priced bull and new Simmental record holder, Hemingford Prince Charming 23. April 2023 born, this bull is by Saltire Jaguar 18, a Team Celtic son, and is out of Hemingford Joy, a Sterling Gregg 15 (ET) daughter. In the pre-sale show under the eye of the judge for the day Jim Goldie of the noted Newbiemains herd at Annan, Nr Dumfries, this bull came through a tremendously strong class before going on to secure the Intermediate Championship and thereafter the Overall Supreme Championship. Commenting after the judging, Jim Goldie said: “This is a lovely Simmental bull and with a presence that just caught my eye the moment he came into the ring. Full of style and breed character he typifies the modern Simmental with length, size, tremendous lines, width over the plates, a great top on him, and walked really well. He was a stand-out bull on the day amongst a lot of good company, and it was just terrific to see him go on and make a record price. I’m sure he will go on to produce some top class females in the Corskie herd and leave some amazing bulls as well. It was a great two days for the Simmental breed and I was really pleased to play a little part in it.”
Judge Jim Goldie of the Newbiemains Herd with United Auctions Auctioneer, David Brown
Come sale time there was much anticipation around ringside and Hemingford Prince Charming didn’t disappoint as a flurry of bids and bidders saw him race through the gears before getting knocked down for 56,000gns, a new Simmental record, to the ringside bidders Iain, and daughter Laura, Green for their noted Corskie pedigree herd at Garmouth, Fochabers, Moray. Commenting after paying the record price, Laura Green said: “We saw Hemingford Prince Charming at the inspection on Saturday and liked him straight away, and we obviously kept a close eye on him through the show. He has length, style, breed character and is full of quality, an outstanding bull and in our mind one of the best Simmental bulls we’ve ever seen. We’re really excited to have him and after a nice settling in period he’ll be introduced to the pedigree herd.” The Corskie herd presently comprises of 180 pedigree cows and 400 Simmental x Beef Shorthorn suckler cows.
Come sale time there was much anticipation around ringside and Hemingford Prince Charming didn’t disappoint as a flurry of bids and bidders saw him race through the gears before getting knocked down for 56,000gns, a new Simmental record, to the ringside bidders Iain and daughter Laura Green for their noted Corskie pedigree herd at Garmouth, Fochabers, Moray. Commenting after paying the record price, Laura Green said: “We saw Hemingford Prince Charming at the inspection on Saturday and liked him straight away, and we obviously kept a close eye on him through the show. He has length, style, breed character and is full of quality, an outstanding bull and in our mind one of the best Simmental bulls we’ve ever seen. We’re really excited to have him and after a nice settling in period he’ll be introduced to the pedigree herd.” The Corskie herd presently comprises of 180 pedigree cows and 400 Simmental x Beef Shorthorn suckler cows.
For James and Rachel Griffin, it was two unbelievable days that will live long in the memory. After taking a breath, and the enormity of what had just happened sinking in, James and Rachel spoke to the Society and said: “Going to Stirling, we thought Prince Charming was a good bull but we never set expectations because in the Simmental breed there is always such a high standard of bulls forward. It’s what dreams are made of that you might produce one good enough to win the Championship but it just wasn’t something that we realistically thought we’d achieve in our lifetime.”
Continuing they said: “We watched Jim Goldies pre-sale video leading up to the show, and he mentioned he would be looking for a modern Simmental, with good length and shape, and we hoped he might tick some of those boxes but we never thought more than that. There are three separate things here: winning the Championship, selling for the day’s top price, and for it then to be a UK and European record. To manage all three at the same time is just the stars aligning, and beyond all expectations. Dreams can come true!”
Rachael Griffin, Hetty Hutchinson with Hemingford Prince Charming with James Griffin and their young children
“As the bids were going up I don’t think we were able to breathe! The auctioneer Raymond Kennedy had been round to ask what our expectations might be and I think I said double figures would be a good start, but we truly never expected anything like this. We are also delighted with him being purchased by the Green family with Corskie being such a distinguished Simmental herd with a tremendous reputation. We wish them every success with Prince Charming and will closely follow his progress.” This was the Griffins third visit to Stirling and where they first time round, in 2022, sold a bull for 4200gns to Brian Sutherland, Glenlossie, and with their second visit seeing another Saltire Jaguar son Hemingford Nelson sell for 11,000gns to Michael Durno’s Auchorachan herd in October 2023 for 11,000gns.
It was a sale day with a strong Corskie fingerprint throughout. Offsetting their top price purchase, the herd had brought a stand out team of eleven bulls that saw them procure the three other sale prices over 20,000gns and with the team of eleven bulls averaging a terrific £13,220! The Corskie bulls sold for 26,000gns; 20,000gns x 2; 13,000gns; 9500gns; 9000gns x 2; 8500gns 8000gns x 2; and 7500gns!
Corskie Prime 26,000gns
The junior bulls were tremendously strong through the day, and it was from the second last class in the catalogue that the day’s second top price came from in the shape of the 26,000gns Corskie Prime 23 from the Green family. This October 2023 born calf is by the Irish bull Rathnashan Leonardo (ET), whose first son sold for 10,000gns, and is out of Corskie La-enna from the ‘Enna’ line, one of the herd’s most consistent cow families. Corskie Prime 23 was purchased by Jimmy & Vikki Wood for their noted Popes herd at Dutton, Preston, Lancashire.
Speaking after the sale, Vikki Wood said: “This Corskie bull just had a lot of the things we were looking for. We saw him in the show and immediately liked him. He’s well fleshed, a good mover, the right colour we were looking for, and he’s just full of breed character. His breeding is attractive to us, and with little cross over in his immediate pedigree, he injects a bit of a new line into the herd. We were looking for a bull to use on our heifers, who are big, rangy females and to add easy flesh into them. Initially we’ll put him out quietly with a few heifers and go from there.” Of the 26,000gns price Vikki Wood went on to say: “It’s the investment you need to be prepared to spend for a bull with the traits and qualities you want for your herd. The higher prices are a reflection of where today’s beef market is and if he does the job that his potential suggests, he will hopefully quickly cover himself. ” The Popes herd currently presently consists of 50 pedigree cows.
Reserve Overall & Junior Champion Corskie Pirate 20,000gns
Two further junior bulls from Corksie made 20,000gns and the first of these was the Overall Reserve Supreme, Junior Champion, and first prize in Class 11, Corskie Pirate. September 2023 born, this young bull with style, natural power and terrific width to him, is by Rathnashan Magnum EX 92 and is out of Corskie Hilda VG 87 a daughter of the homebred Corskie Dubai 12. Reflecting the marketplace demand, this bull was purchased entirely for commercial use by the noted producer JC Innes, Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Corskie Pier 20,000gns
Also at the 20,000gns price was Corskie Pier, an October 2023 born bull from the youngest class on the day. Full of breeding and performance figures, this calf is by Kilbride Farm Haka 16 who has previously had sons sell to £32,000, and is out of Corskie Jlight a daughter of the former breed record holder Bel Dhu Capercaillie. His performance figures saw him be in the breed’s top 1% for Maternal (Milk) at +16; the top 5% and 10% for 200, 400, and 600 day growth and the top 5% for both Terminal production Index, and Self Replacing Index. Purchasing this bull was Neil McGowan for his Incheoch herd of 50 Simmental cows run alongside 150 Luings. Commenting Neil said: “I watched the bulls go through inspection on Saturday and he was one that stood out as being of the type we were looking for and he moved well. Watching the show the next day along with my father Finlay, he was one of a good number of bulls that impressed us in terms of his type, dimension and stance in the ring. We were particularly looking for a red, polled bull with decent calving figures and good early growth but not too tall in type – with a smooth, easy-finishing muscle-pattern. We were looking for a bull to breed daughters from – so a bit of character and style is important and structural soundness too. Pier ticked all the boxes other than the polled one! In studying him overnight, we saw that his dam line went back to a cow, some seven generations back, my grandfather had sold to Gordon Clark. It wasn’t part of the decision making but somehow seemed to be a bit of a sign! From here, Corskie Pier will get a selection of polled Simmental cows and some Luings next summer and we very much look forward to seeing how he breeds.”
The Stirling Simmental Sale rounded off what has been a fantastic couple of months for the Corskie herd and the Green family and who in December won the prestigious 2024 Scotch Beef Farm of the Year award. Commenting directly about the herd’s day at Stirling, Laura Green said:
“It was a day to remember for all of us at Corskie and a fantastic day for the Simmental breed with a great credit due to all of the vendors. This was our best average we’ve had at Stirling to date with the 11 bulls selling for £13,220. At home we were very pleased with the team of bulls and optimistic that they would meet the buyers’ requirements. Our ongoing aim is to try and breed modern bulls with good length and conformation whilst retaining the excellent maternal traits of the Simmental breed. We wish all of the buyers the very best with their purchases.”
Keeldrum Pablo 16,000gns
Another bull to catch the eye was the upstanding Keeldrum Pablo 23 from David Lowry, Newsteadings Farm, Cartland, Lanark. Another bull with size, length and width, the May 2023 born Pablo had stood third in arguably the strongest class of the day, to the top priced bull. Sired by Denizes Impeccable and out of the Clonagh World Class daughter Sacombe Gabi-Oma, Keeldrum Pablo was another to go for entirely commercial use when purchased for 16,000gns by the Hamilton Brothers, Aikengall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar. The Hamiltons run some 900 spring calving Simmental cross suckler cows across three holdings and with a battery of 25+ Simmental bulls. The 16,000gns price is the highest they have paid for a Simmental to date and on the day was one of four bulls purchased with them also securing Auchorachan Premier for 11,000gns; Braegarrie Panther for 8500gns; and Auchorachan Pilot for 8000gns.
Auchorachan Premier 11,000gns
Senior Champion Backmuir Poseidon 15,000gns
Bringing another good team of bulls to Stirling was the Backmuir herd of Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, who sold six bulls to average £10,238. Leading the way for them was the 15,000gns Backmuir Poseidon who was a first prize winner in Class Four of the senior section. Again, a bull going for commercial use, Poseidon was purchased by noted producers R&N Barclay, Harestone Farm, Insch, Aberdeenshire. April 2023 born, Backmuir Poseidon 23 is by Backmuir King, the Male Champion at the Royal Highland whose sons have sold up to 10,000gns, and is out of the Skerrington Warlord 2 daughter, Starline Kristle 25th.
Backmuir Portsoy 13,000gns
A few lots later, and the winner of Class Six, Backmuir Portsoy 13 made 13,000gns when selling to the Teviot herd of RH Bell & Co, Roxburgh Mill, Kelso. Another son of Backmuir King, this May 2023 born bull is out of Backmuir Olivia Jinx, a Kilbride Farm Duke 12 daughter.
Wolfstar Prototype 14,000gns
Always bringing quality bulls to sell at Stirling, the Wolfstar herd of Alex & Ross King again found reward when selling two bulls to 14,000gns, and with both going commercially. The first of these was Wolfstar Prototype 23 (P) who finished second in the ‘class of the day’ to the sales top priced bull. April 2023 born this bull is by the rising 14-year-old Team Celtic 11, and is out of the Lynde General (P) sired Wolfstar Lady Gaga (P). With a Maternal (Milk) figure of +10, Wolfstar Prototype 23 (P) went north when knocked down to JM Sutherland, Sibminster & Stainland, Thurso, Caithness.
Wolfstar Pocket Rocket 14,000gns
Late in the day, the third last bull through the ring, and the aptly named Wolfstar Pocket Rocket 23 (P), also made 14,000gns when being bought by noted commercial producers MacFarlane Farms Ltd, Quixwood Farm, Duns, Berwickshire. Similarly bred to his stablemate, Wolfstar Pocket Rocket 23 (P) is also by Team Celtic 11, and is out of another Linde General (P) daughter, Wolfstar Little Mix (P).
Springfield Pace 13,500gns
Gavin Brown, Springfield Farm, Penicuik, Midlothian was another breeder to enjoy a successful day when he sold the second prized bull Springfield Pace 23 for 13,500gns. This April 2023 born bull is by the herd’s prolific sire Islavale Jabba and is out of the Popes Barclay daughter Soringfield Highness. Purchasing this bull was Orkney buyer Liam Muir and for his client J&M Dearness, who run a large suckler herd at Knowe Farm, Sanday, Orkney. Of this bull Liam Muir said: “This bull had really good figures for easy calving, and milk, as well as his indexes, and just had the character and qualities we were looking for. He’s a bull for the suckler herd and to breed first quality replacements as well as top stores for the local markets.” For Gavin Brown the 13,5000gns was a top price at sale to date for the herd and with Springfield clearing all eight bulls forward to average a terrific £8203. Orkney buyers were again a theme of the day with nine bulls in all selling to the islands.
Reserve Junior Champion Overhill House Presley 13,000gns
In addition to Backmuir Portsoy, three further bulls sold for 13,000gns. The first of these was the winner of Class 10, and the Reserve Junior Champion, in the shape of Overhill House Presley from Richard McCulloch, Over Hill House, Armadale. A young bull with size and tremendous length, Presley is by Pistyll Kingsman (the sire of the 46,000gns Overhill House Neo), and is out of Overhill House Hellana, a Corbally Extreme daughter. Buying this bull was Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie. Speaking of this bull, Adrian Ivory said: “We saw Overhill House Presley during the show and thought he had good growth, length, and was a well put together bull. With good figures we think he’ll complement Denizes Logic daughters, and the plan is to start to use him in the summer.” Strathisla presently has approximately 55 pedigree breeding females, 40 pedigree Charolais, and 140 commercial cows.”
Corskie Phoney 13,000gns
Another junior from the Corskie line up, Corskie Phoney, made 13,000gns when selling commercially to JS Fraser, Tore Mains Farm, Muir of Ord. Again carrying width and natural power, this bull combined a depth of proven breeding and top performance figures. August 2023 born Phoney is by the aforementioned Bel Dhu Capercaillie and is out of Corskie Mimic who was Reserve Breed Champion at the 2023 Royal Highland, and Breed Junior Champion at the 2022 Scottish National Show. His performance figures see him being in the breed’s top 1% for Maternal (Milk) at +15, the top 1% for 200, 400, and 600 day growth, and the top 1% for Terminal Production, and Self Replacing Indexes!
Braidwood Panther 13,500gns
The fourth bull in all hitting the 13,000gns mark was the August 2023 born Braidwood Panther 23 from Louise Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Dunbar, East Lothian. A deep red marked bull, Panther stood third in his class to the Reserve Intermediate Champion. Sired by the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jimmy Choo, and out of the Promi (P) daughter, Braidwood Freckles (P), this bull was again purchased for commercial use when being bought by JB Dobie, Easter Middleton, Gorebridge, Midlothian. For the Dobies this is the first Simmental bull they have purchased and comes after seeing the breed’s performance at commercial sales, and then attending the Scottish Simmental Club Open Day held at Innerwick Farm in June last year where they first saw this calf, and the quality in the herd.
Skerrington Prime 12,000gns
Standing one place behind Braidwood Panther in his class was the August 2023 born Skerrington Prime 23 (P), from the longstanding Skerrington herd of Mr W Young, Skerrington Mains, Hurlford, Kilmarnock and who went on to sell for 12,000gns. Entirely homebred this bull is by the homozygous polled Skerrington King Kong 19 (PP), and is out of Skerrington Faith, a Sowenna Aristocrat daughter. With good figures for calving ease, growth, and maternal (milk), this bull went commercially to W Walton & Sons, Trough End, Otterburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Reserve Senior Champion Kyleston Principal 12,000gns
Standing as the Reserve Senior Champion, and the first prize winner in Class Two, was another bull with size, width, and a good top in the shape of the 12,000gns Kyleston Principal 23 (P) from Mr SB Knox, North Balloch Farm, Alyth, Perth & Kinross. This dark red heterozygous polled calf is the first son at sale by the privately purchased stock bull Kilbride Farm Liberator 20 (P) who is leaving calves ‘with good muscle’ in the herd. Out of Kyleston Hazel, a Keeldrum Eclipse 13 (P) daughter, this bull was purchased by commercial producers Kincraigie Farms, Lumphanan, by Banchory. For the 30 breeding female Kyleston herd, the sale price and the Reserve Championship were both top accolades for the Knox’s at sale to date.
Rockytop Pirelli 12,000gns
At this same 12,000gns price was Rockytop Pirelli from the 60 cow pedigree herd of Gary & Angela Christie, Midtown of Glass, Huntly. A bull with length and conformation Pirelli stood fourth in the ‘class of the day’ to the top priced bull. May 2023 born, Rockytop Pirelli is by Kilbride Farm Fearless 14, described as ‘one of the bulls purchased who has greatly improved the herd’, and is out of Rockytop Margaret’s June. With a Maternal (Milk) figure of +10, this bull went to the noted commercial producers CG McGillvray, Auchnascraw, Ballindalloch. A few lots later and the Christies sold Rockytop Puff 23 for 9500gns to OJ & JM Barker, Easter Yardhouses, Carnwath, Lanark.
Auchorachan Premier 11,000gns
Selling at 11,000gns was the aforementioned Auchorachan Premier from D&R Durno & Sons, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch which was knocked down to Aikengall Farms, East Lothian. Entirely homebred this August 2023 calf is by Auchorachan Malt and is out of the Team Fergus 14 EX 91 daughter, Auchorachan Nanny 4 EX 92. Premier carried top 5% of the breed figures for 200, 400, and 600 day growth. Another herd to enjoy a top day’s trading, Auchorachan also sold the Reserve Intermediate Champion, and winner of Class 9, for 10,500gns to the judge Jim Goldie, Newbiemains Farm, Annan, Dumfries. Another by Auchorachan Malt, and again with good growth figures, this bull is out of Auchorachan Nanny 1H EX 93 described as a ‘tremendous cow’ in the herd. Other Auchorachan bulls sold for 9000gns and 8000gns.
Delfur President 11,000gns
The April 2023 senior bull Delfur President 23 from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour, made 11,000gns when selling to J Walker & Sons, Sauchenbush, Echt. A bull with good calving ease direct figures, President 23 is by Curaheen Bandit 23 and is out of the Islavale Cassius 11 daughter Delfur Heidi. A few lots later and Delfur were back in the money when selling Delfur Phantom 23 for 10,000gns. Sired by Innerwick Ivor 17, and out of Delfur Hetty, this bull had stood Reserve Champion at the 2024 Simmental Youngstock Show held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle. Purchasing this bull was Dennis Isbister, who runs the Isbister pedigree herd at Old Hall, Stromness, Orkney.
Westridge Pebble 11,000gns
A further bull to feature in the ‘class of the day’ was the fifth placed Westridge Pebble 23 from Ward Farms (Scotland), West Mains Farm, Carnwath, Lanark and who went on to make 11,000gns when selling to commercial producer Stephen Allardyce East Town Farm, Tarland, Aboyne. May 2023 born this bull is by Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94, and is out of Islavale Iona. Other Westridge bulls on the day made 7500gns, and 7000gns.
Islavale Panama 11,000gns
The prolific Islavale herd of WS Stronach & Son Berryleys farm, Grange, Keith, brought a ‘young team to town’ and met with another terrific trade. Nine bulls in all sold for £81,900 to average a tremendous £9100. Leading the way in their pen was the October 2023 born Islavale Panama who made 11,000gns when selling commercially to Glenrinnes Farms Ltd, Dufftown, Banffshire. Other Islavale bulls sold for 9500gns; 9000gns x2; 8500gns x3; 8000gns; and 6000gns.
*At the close of the bull sale and a draft offering from J&G Houliston, Newmains, Drem, North Berwick, four Saltire heifers made 4000gns; 3800gns; 2600gns; and 2500gns. Saltire Pinky, a Saltire Munro daughter out of Saltire Murron led the way when selling for 4000gns to G Wealleans & Son, Greenlaw, Duns, Berwickshire who bought three lots in all.
Overall Championship lineup
Senior Championship lineup
Intermediate Championship line up
Junior Championship line up
Group of three
OTHER LEADING BULL PRICES
10,500gns Lot 451 Auchorachan Picasso sold to JM & J Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire
10,500gns Lot 427 Braegarrie Panda sold to Fleming Farming, Greenlees Farm, Kelso
10,000gns Lot 455 Kersknowe Popstar sold to Ettrickshaws Farming Partnership, Ettrickshaw, Selkirk
10,000gns Lot 354 Caithness Pioneer sold to T Smith & Son, Nether Edindurno, Whitehouse, Alford
10,000gns Lot 384 Delfur Phantom sold to D Isbister, Oldhall, Stromness, Orkney
10,000gns Lot 388 Greencap Pegasus sold to J & MH Brims, Thuster Mains, Bilbister, Wick
9500gns Lot 470 Corskie Patron sold to Genoch Mains Farm, Dunragit, Stranraer
9500gns Lot 465 Islavale Peperoni sold to James Pate & Sons, Mossielee, Galasheils, Selkirk
9500gns Lot 437 Springfield Pentagon sold to JW Fullerton & Sons, Corsbie, Earlston, Berwickshire
9500gns Lot 413 Rockytop Puff sold to OJ & JM Barker, Easter Yardshouses, Auchengray, Carnwath, Lanark
9000gns Lot 431 Kilbride Farm Pele sold to Ralia Enterprises, Ralia Lodge, Newtonmore, Invernessshire
9000gns Lot 458 Corskie Pepsi sold to Richard Elliott, Lordsview, High Moor Farm, Tadcaster
9000gns Lot 462 Auchorachan Phantom sold to John Mitchell, Rumbletonrig, Greenlaw, Duns, Berwickshire
9000gns Lot 466 Islavale Pistol sold to Craighill Farms, Duntrune, By Dundee
9000gns Lot 491 Islavale Premium sold to J Graham & Son, West Balgothrie Farm, Leslie, Glenrothes
9000gns Lot 493 Corskie Prisoner sold to T Hill & R Wright, 1 Mill Farm, Wadworth, Doncaster
9000gns Lot 358 Backmuir Peru sold to C & K Stuart, Lettoch & Belnoe, Braes of Glenlivet, Ballindalloch
9000gns Lot 397 Wolfstar Pele sold to JF & C Saunders, Maidenlands Tarn, Tarn Flatt, Marton, Ulverston
9000gns Lot 385 Strathisla Panama sold to JW Sutherland & Son, Granton Mains, Bower, By Wick
8500gns Lot 391 Hiltonstown Powerhouse sold to W Walton & Sons, Trough End, Otterburn, Newcastle upon Tyne
8500gns Lot 393 Drumsleed Pacha sold to J & A McCornick, Drumjargon Farm, Whauphill, Newton Stewart
8500gns Lot 421 Drumsleed Panther sold to J Cameron & Son, Balbuthie Farm, Kilconquhar, Leven
8500gns Lot 425 Braegarrie Panther sold to JG Hamilton, Aikengall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar
8500gns Lot 430 Denizes Powerboy sold to J Campbell, Bardnaclavan, Westfield, Thurso
8500gns Lot 467 Corskie Plasma sold to JEM Vesty, Ormiston Farm, Hawick, Roxburghshire
8500gns Lot 492 Islavale Prophet sold to Messrs Atkin Brothers, The Grange, Barrow on Trent, Derby
8500gns Lot 495 Islavale Pringle sold to TE & EM Davies & Sons, Tyncwm, Capel Dewi, Aberystwyth
8500gns Lot 367 Backmuir Pedro sold to Scottish Government Stud, Knocknagael, Inverness
8500gns Lot 498 Islavale Porthos sold to B Ross, Torran Farm, Delny, Invergordon
8000gns Lot 436 Denizes Passito sold to A & L Craig & Co, Downiehills Farm, Blackhills, Peterhead
8000gns Lot 443 Auchorachan Pilot sold to JG Hamilton, Aikengall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar
8000gns Lot 461 Islavale Peri sold to Bannerman Co Ltd, Balintraid & Ord Farm, Delny, Invergordon
8000gns Lot 481 Denizes Phantom sold to Ellis & Keir, Cairncoullie, Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire
8000gns Lot 487 Denizes Paparazzi sold to AR Bulmer, Coultas Farm, Great Habton, Malton, Yorkshire
8000gns Lot 362 Corskie Pickle sold to J & MH Brims, Thurster Mains, Bilbster, Wick, Caithness
8000gns Lot 371 Kyleston Patch sold to Firm of AG Spence, Balglassie Farm, Aberlemno, Forfar
8000gns Lot 376 Corskie Prize sold to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Stromness, Orkney
8000gns Lot 377 Strathisla Prince sold to Scottish Government Stud, Knocknagael, Inverness
by Rachel Foley | Feb 11, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025, Uncategorised
Here we focus on the King family at Ormiston, East Lothian, and who run the highly noted Wolfstar pedigree Simmental herd alongside their 100 cow Simmental cross suckler herd.
Farm Facts:
- Ross King farming in partnership with parents, Alex and Marion
- Wolfstar, Ormiston, East Lothian
- 700 acres arable
- 200 acres permanent grazing
- 70 cow pedigree Simmental herd
- 100 cow Simmental cross suckler herd
- Commercial finishing enterprise
Ross together with his father, Alex and one employee not only manage a 700-acre arable enterprise but also a multi beef enterprise firmly built on Simmental genetics – a 100-cow commercial suckler herd with progeny finished on farm, and the 70-cow Wolfstar pedigree herd commonly regarded as one of the foremost in the herdbook and having bred 10 five figure bulls at Stirling in the last five years.
“We run the pedigree and commercial herds as one. Management is identical. We breed all our cattle as efficiently as we can in terms of performance; the pedigree cows have to match the performance of the commercials,” Ross explains.
“All our breeding females have to be able to look after themselves and remain in average body condition score 2.5 – 3.0 all year round. They have to be hassle free and calve themselves outdoors with minimum assistance. And since we live one mile from the calving fields, they have to be able to get on with it themselves, then they must have good mothering ability. Furthermore, newborn calves have to be vigorous and get up and away, especially in bad weather.”
Wolfstar’s commercial herd comprises Simmental cross Angus genetics. “We introduced a criss cross breeding strategy 25 years ago and have something that works very well for us. While we’ve maintained that hybrid vigour, we’re breeding a really nice balanced hassle-free cow with a moderate frame and able to rear a calf demonstrating good growth.
“Our objective for the pedigree herd is to breed bulls that we would like to use ourselves. While we’d always like to breed a curve bender with ease of calving and high growth rates, we focus solely on selecting for commercial traits and then rearing the progeny in our commercial environment. After all, we have to have confidence in what we breed,” comments Ross adding: “We don’t do any summer showing – we are very strict on biosecurity and taking the other enterprises into account, we just don’t have the time.”
Both commercial and pedigree females are maturing at an average 720kg, reaching 400kg at bulling to calve at an average 24 months. Calving is all complete within nine weeks and we’ve 90% of the herd calving within the first two cycles. To keep the herd fresh, cows only have eight calvings, that’s unless she’s a superstar,” he says. Commercial steers are going on to finish at an average 350kg at 14 months, heifers an average 320kg at 16 months and grading within the U and R specification.
He adds: “Simmental has definitely found its feet as a dual-purpose breed and I firmly believe the breed will always have a place both at Wolfstar and in the national suckler herd where it is increasingly prolific, and very popular for crossing with other breeds. Furthermore, Simmental sired calves continue to top the National Beef Evaluations chart as the fastest to finish which means fewer days on farm and subsequently reduced Carbon footprint.”
The King family’s overall objective at Wolfstar is to manage a profitable farming business. “We’ve a traditional arable enterprise growing winter and spring barley, winter wheat and combining peas however we’ve areas that can’t be ploughed – both flood plain, reclaimed woodland and undermined, so we’ve always farmed a complementary suckler finishing herd.
Dad manages the arable enterprise, and myself the cattle, but we both help out with each enterprise and discuss most decisions, and we find there’s usually some friendly competition. We always compare the annual accounts; each cost is analysed and area margins worked out to see where we can make improvements.”
Turn the clock back over 35 years and Wolfstar’s herd comprised Charolais and dairy bred beef genetics producing suckled calves. Seeking to breed their own replacements, the Kings were introduced to the Simmental. “Dad liked the fact the breed was dual purpose and we could close the herd. Back in the 1990, he subsequently invested in a bull and found he left easily managed females that could calve outdoors with minimal assistance.” The rest is history.
Alex went on to invest in his first pedigree heifer in 1997, Woodhall Damara followed by only four more and the odd bull, Ross explains. “The pedigree herd was very much a hobby until 2009 when I came home from college and travelling and then we began to grow the numbers. We introduced a focused breeding programme featuring good commercial traits to produce cattle that we would wish to farm ourselves, as well as other producers. We also started to push up numbers – to 30, then 40, but we’ve now reached a peak for time being at 70 cows, a nice comfortable number.”
The Kings attribute some of their initial success to Team Celtic 11, who will reach 14 years of age in March 2025 and is still in his working clothes. “He definitely put us on the map.” His sons include Wolfstar Jackaroo at 18,000gns, Wolfstar Fearless at 14,000gns, Wolfstar Flying Scotsman 17,000gns and Wolfstar Gold Digger at 15,000gns.
18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo
While a small selection of bulls are traded through the Stirling ring, the vast majority are sold to local suckler producers having been promoted on Facebook and word of mouth from repeat customers. “We outwinter these bulls on forage diets to challenge the genetics and we like prospect customers to see them in commercial conditions and in their working clothes.”
The Kings also privately trade a quantity of quality pedigree breeding females each year, some of which have gone to start up herds.
Ross repeatedly says their success is also down to adopting a commercial strategy for trait selection, as well as for management purposes, accompanied by a strict culling policy. “We don’t keep any calves for breeding unless they show plenty vigour. We also have a very strict culling policy for feet, udders and temperament; we try to take on issues before they happen.
“When looking for a bull we pay attention to Breedplan data and select according to the trait required to improve specific performance for example growth rate, back fat and ease of calving, but first and foremost he has to appeal to the eye and then we make sure he will suit our herd and what it requires at the time.”
The latest addition to Wolfstar’s genetic mix is Hiltonstown Matrix secured in Stirling 2023 for 20,000gns. He was in the breed’s top 5% for 400 and 600 day growth with a +7 figure for maternal (milk). “While he carries very balanced performance figures, he was one of those bulls that stood out on inspection with plenty of length, tremendous fleshing qualities, and just full of flash and style.”
Ross King is also using some of the latest technology to take the pedigree herd to the next level. “We introduced In-Vitro Embryo Production (IVP) a few years ago to enable us to select specific sires to cross with some of our best breeding females to produce high genetic merit progeny for potential sale. IVP also has the potential to provide us with more choice of homebred bulls to retain for breeding purposes. Equally important, we use the service as an insurance policy – if anything happened to wipe out the herd, for example an FMD outbreak then we could rest assured we had sufficient embryos in the tank to re-establish the herd.”
Looking to the future, Ross says: “We want to continue to breed in demand bulls in commercial conditions that will not only keep our customers returning, but also attract new ones keen to improve their herd’s commercial performance and ultimately towards a more sustainable, profitable beef enterprise.”
Combined pedigree and commercial herds performance
24 months age at first calving
95% heifer scan
98% cow scan
90% calving within the first two cycles
by Rachel Foley | Aug 13, 2024 | 2024 Scottish News, 2024 East Anglia News, 2024 North West News, 2024 News, 2024
- Simply Peter Pan sold to the Wacton herd of RE & SHW Steggles
- Strathisla Pentagon joins the Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons
The importance of the show circuit as a ‘shop window’ for breeders to promote top quality cattle has again been highlighted with the news that two high achieving Simmental bulls through the 2024 summer have been sold in respective private deals.
At the 2024 Simmental English National Show, held within the Royal Lancashire Show, the January 2023 born Simply Peter Pan from Robert, Louise, & Margaret Fitton, Moss Hall Farm, Lostock, Bolton, won the Male Championship, Junior Male, and Overall Junior titles in front of the judge Stewart Stronach of the Islavale Herd in Keith, Banffshire. Seeing this stylish bull at first hand was fellow exhibitor Sam Steggles of the Wacton herd, Fieldings, Honingham, and further to family chats, and discussions, a deal was done with him being sold for £11,000 and joining the Wacton team when heading back to Norfolk following the show!
Simply Peter Pan 23 – Male Champion, Junior Male and Overall Junior Champion, English National Show 2024
Commenting, Sam Steggles said: “We hadn’t gone to the show with the view of buying a bull but we saw Simply Peter Pan being unloaded at the Royal Lancashire and just liked him a lot straight away. He’s a modern Simmental bull with length and shape, very clean, is good on his legs, and has a lot of breed character. There’s proven breeding behind him and he’s got very good performance figures. We’re delighted to get him and excited to see his progeny in due course.” Joining the 50 head Wacton herd, the initial aim is to take some semen from the bull before putting him to a handful of cows in the backend, and with him put to more cows come next Spring having settled in.
Full of Northern Irish breeding, Simply Peter Pan is by Ashland Magic and is out of Derrycallaghan Kitkat (ET) who was bought at three months of age from breeders H C Stubbs & A A Burleigh, Ballindarragh. Kitkat herself was Junior Champion at the Simmental Calf Show in 2019 at Borderway Agri Expo, and with her dam Corskie Vesna being a top breeding female with many of her progeny being sold at Stirling bull sales.
For the ten cow Simply herd it was a terrific couple of days with the Simmental English National Show prizes being the ten-cow herd’s highest awards to date, and followed by a private sale to a pedigree herd. Speaking afterwards Rob Fitton said: “In the run up to, and through the show, we said that we thought this bull is the full package of looks, breeding, and performance. His sire was bought for length, colour, and figures, and his dam is a thick set cow. He’s clean with width, end, and no gut, carries a +9 figure for Maternal (Milk), and is +109 for Self-Replacing Index.” Continuing he went on to say: “We’re over the moon that Simply Peter Pan is going to Sam and his noted Wacton pedigree herd. When a pedigree man comes and buys an animal that you have bred it’s just great and there’s a little added bonus as you know that his name will appear on certificates for years to come. We wish the Steggles family every success with him.”
Come the autumn and Rob Fitton will be taking two half-brothers of Simply Peter Pan to the Stirling Simmental Bull Sale in October.
The second private sale has seen Strathisla Pentagon, from Strathisla Farms, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, head south when selling to the Denizes Herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Near Leyland, Lancashire, and this time for £10,000.
Strathisla Pentagon at the Royal Highland Show 2024
This April 2023 born bull stood first in a strong class at the Royal Highland Show when judged by Michael Durno of the Auchorachan Herd, Glenlivet Ballindalloch. With some breeding connectivity, Strathisla Pentagon is by Denizes Logic 20 VG89, and is out of the Dirnanean Grafter 15 EX93 daughter Strathisla Jitterbug’s Haka VG85.
Commenting on this purchase, John Barlow said: “This bull just caught my eye for the tremendous length he had coupled with his power and weight for age. His sire comes from a strong female line that we obviously know very well, and he’s got some tremendous performance figures behind him. We think he’ll be a good fit with daughters of our primary stock bull Corskie Nutmeg, and we’ve already used him on Denizes Hamish heifers.” Corskie Nutmeg was also purchased privately, following last year’s Royal Highland, for £32,000.
With exceptional performance figures, Strathisla Pentagon is in the breed’s top 1% for both Self Replacing and Terminal Production Indexes, the top 1% for 400 & 600 day growth, top 1% for Eye Muscle, and is +9 for Maternal (Milk).
This is the second Denizes Logic 20 bull that the Strathisla herd have sold privately recently and with a further seven sons, the first crop to be offered at sale, heading to Stirling in October. Of Denizes Logic 20 and this private sale, Strathisla Farm’s Adrian Ivory said: “We’re delighted with Denizes Logic 20 and he’s breeding very consistently and to a type. His progeny have length, shape, are easy fleshing, and with great daily live weight gains from birth. We’re really delighted with the sale of Strathisla Pentagon to a noted herd like Denizes.”
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