TWO ISLAVALE BULLS MAKE 14,000GNS AND LEAD A SOLID SIMMENTAL TRADE AT STIRLING

TWO ISLAVALE BULLS MAKE 14,000GNS AND LEAD A SOLID SIMMENTAL TRADE AT STIRLING

Islavale Kristoff
Islavale Kristoff

• 52 Simmental bulls average £5589, up by £411

• Simmentals lead the breeds in numbers sold

• Clearance rate of 64%

• Female outfits sell to 5500gns

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
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
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
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).

AVERAGES:

52 Bulls £5589 (+£411)

10 Females £2877 (+£549)

4 Calves £4541.25

AUCTIONEERS:

United Auctions

Greencap kane
Greencap Kane
denizes kylian
Denizes Kylian
backmuir knight
Backmuir Knight
denizes melody and lynx
Denizes Melody & Lynx
7600GNS ISLAVALE JAMMYDODGER TOPS STIRLING BULLS AS THE SIMMENTAL BREED INCREASES ITS SALE AVERAGE BY £375

7600GNS ISLAVALE JAMMYDODGER TOPS STIRLING BULLS AS THE SIMMENTAL BREED INCREASES ITS SALE AVERAGE BY £375

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 sold for 7600gns
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 sold for 6500gns
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.”

Simmental average: 21 Simmental £4814.15 +£375.15

ISLAVALE JAVELIN sold for 6250gns
Islavale Javelin
ISLAVALE JAVAN sold for 6000gns
Islavale Javan
ISLAVALE JABBA sold for 6000gns
Islavale Jabba
CORSKIE JOURNAL sold for 5200gns
Corskie Journal
Stirling Bull sales 16th & 17th February 2020 – Sale Report

Stirling Bull sales 16th & 17th February 2020 – Sale Report

Judging the Stirling Spring pre-sale show was Mr Phillip Simmers from Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire.

Judge - Phillip Simmers from the Backmuir herd.
Judge Phillip Simmers

Topping the male trade on the day at 18,000gns was the Intermediate and Overall Champion WOLFSTAR JACKAROO 18, bred by Mr A King, Wolfstar, Ormiston, East Lothian, EH35 5NH. A TEAM CELTIC son, out of a WOLFSTAR WOTSIT daughter. Purchased by the judge Mr Phillip Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire.

Wolfstar Jackaroo - Intermediate and Overall Champion selling for the top price of 18,000gns
Wolfstar Jackaroo

Second top price, also from the same stable, selling for 17,000gns was the Reserve Senior Champion WOLFSTAR JIMMY CHOO 18. An ISLAVALE GUY 15 son, out of a TEAM CELTIC 11 daughter. Also purchased by the judge Phillip Simmers, Back Muir Farm, Keith Banffshire.

Wolfstar Jimmy Choo - Reserve Senior Champion sold for 17,000gns
Wolfstar Jimmy Choo

Third top price of the day, selling for 10,000gns was FINLARG JAGUAR 18, bred by Kate & Alan McNee, Over Finlarg Farm, Tealing, Dundee, DD4 OQE. A TEAM DRAMBUIE 12 son, out of a HALENOOK VARGNER daughter. Sold to McClymont & Son, Yarrow, Selkirk.

Finlarg Jaguar - sold for 10,000gns
Finlarg Jaguar

3 went under the hammer at 9,000gns

RANFURLY JACKPOT J12 18, bred by Mr WD & JD Hazelton, Cohannon House, 25 Bovean Road, Dungannon, County Tyrone, N Ireland, BT71 6HR. An AUCHORACHAN ACDC 09 son, out of a HILLCREST CHAMPION daughter, sold for 9,000gns to Philip Haugh Estates, Selkirk.

Ranfurly Jackpot sold for 9,000gns
Ranfurly Jackpot

Next came, CORSKIE JACKPOT 18, bred by MR WJ & J GREEN, CORSKIE, GARMOUTH, FOCHABERS, MORAY, IV32 7NN. A DIRNANEAN BRADLEY 10 EX 93 son, out of one of the Breed Record BEL DHU CAPERCAILLIE 11 daughters. Sold for 9,000gns to J S Gunn, Mavsey, Caithness.

Corskie Jackpot sold for 9,000gns
Corskie Jackpot

The last to secure 9,000gns was SALTIRE JAGUAR 18, bred by J & G HOULISTON, 10 NEWMAINS, DREM NORTH BERWICK, EAST LOTHIAN, EH39 5BL. Another TEAM CELTIC 11 son, out of a KILBRIDE FARM DRAGOON 12 daughter. Purchased by JA Griffin, 54 Common Lane, Hemingford Abbots.

Saltire Jaguar sold for 9,000gns
Saltire Jaguar

BROOMBRAE JOEY 18, bred by Mr G L Clark, Broombrae Farm, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Fife KY14 7EE. A CORSKIE ELGIN 13 son, out of a TEAM WISCONSIN daughter, sold for 8,200gns to R Forrest Ltd, Duns, Berwickshire.

Broombrae Joey sold for 8,200gns
Broombrae Joey

MANOR PARK JOHN 18, bred by Mr D C Houldey, Kirtleton House, Waterbeck, Lockerbie, DG11 3HD. A CORSKIE EBAY 13 son, out of a BLACKFORD WORZEL 2 daughter, sold for 8,000gns to Floors Farming, Kelso.

Manor Park John sold for 8,000gns
Manor Park John

Also, selling for 8,000gns was BLACKFORD JUMBO 18, bred by MR W G MACPHERSON (A FIRM), BLACKFORD FARM, CROY, INVERNESS, INVERNESS-SHIRE, IV2 5PS. A BLACKFORD GALAXY 15 son, out of a KILBRIDE FARM DOUBLEACTION 12 EX 93 daughter. Purchased by A Wright, Argaty, Doune.

Blackford Jumbo sold for 8,000gns
Blackford Jumbo

Topping the female trade of the day was the Female Champion ANNICK DUCHESS 19TH, bred by Mr L D Quarm, HOLEHOUSE FARM, ANNICK LODGE ESTATE, BY IRVINE, AYRSHIRE, KA11 2AF. Sired by WOLFSTAR GOLD DIGGER 15 and out of a SKERRINGTON VISA daughter, sold for 4,200gns to the judge Phillip Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire.

Annick Duchess 19th, Female Champion sold for 4,200gns.
Annick Duchess 19th

Bulls met a 67% clearance, with 86 bulls selling to average £5039, up £64

16 females sold to average £1995

5 Cows and calves sold to average £2415