COLIN INGLIS, DALACHY FARM, ABERDOUR, SET TO JUDGE THE FIRST SIMMENTAL ‘NEXT GENERATION’ SHOW AND SALE AT CARLISLE

by | Nov 26, 2021 | 2021 Scottish News, 2021 Next Generation News, 2021 News, 2021

Simmental breeder Colin Inglis who runs the Greencap pedigree herd at Craegorry, Dalachy Farm, Aberdour, Fife will be the inaugural judge of the British Simmental Cattle Society’s new ‘Next Generation’ show and sale fixture, of pedigree Females and Weaned Calves, due to take place at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle on 3rd December this year.

The catalogue of 82 cattle, has attracted entries from many of the leading Simmental herds in the country with some of the bloodlines forward amongst the very best in the breed, and with many rarely having been presented for public auction before now. In all, 40 maiden heifers are forward, along with 3 heifers served and/or suckling (3 calves), 8 in-calf heifers, 14 weaned bulls calves, and 17 weaned heifer calves.

Speaking on this new sale and the job ahead, Colin Inglis commented: “I think the Next Generation Sale is a fantastic new fixture. It will showcase the qualities the Simmental breed has to offer and give pedigree breeders and commercial producers a tremendous opportunity to buy new lines and cattle with potential for their herds. I’m delighted and honoured to have been asked to be the first judge at what I’m sure will establish into a highlight annual fixture for the Simmental breed.”

Simmentals at Dalachy Farm

The Inglis’ Dalachy Farm is 700 acres and comprises of 120 commercial cows, 35 pure Simmentals, 300 ewes, and 300 acres of arable. With Colin being a self-employed contractor Dalachy Farm is very much run as a team affair along with Colin’s parents Tom and Wilma.

The commercial herd at Dalachy is closed and made up of predominantly Simmental cows and with a few Angus cows. Both Simmental and Angus bulls are run and which are crossed over. Calves are mainly used for retailing Dalachy Farm’s own beef and with the Simmental heifer calves being retained as replacements. The herd is spring calving and with a few in the summer and back end to enable a beef-supply all year round. With efficiency and all-round flexibility being big forward drivers in the industry Colin sees a bright future for the Simmental breed and says: “I think the modern Simmental is a tremendous breed for any producer to have. The docility of the cows is a great starting point and once calved they have an abundance of milk for the calf to feed and thrive on. With the current feed prices being so high if you can use the cow’s milk, and grass throughout the summer, it’s really a ‘no brainer’. If the calf gets all of that then it’s faster growing and is able to finish within 12-14 months at a fraction of the price if it’s had milk instead of creep feed.”

The Inglis’ Greencap pedigree herd was established in 2004 and following on from a keen interest Colin’s Grandad had always had in the Simmental breed. The first pedigree cow was Orlando Tanya bought from Pat and Mary Forrester, Manor Leys, Forfar, and with another heifer, Blackford Ruby, bought from the MacPhersons, Blackford Farm, Croy. Both of these foundation female lines are still in the herd today. The pedigrees are calved at between two and two and a half years, and the commercials at two. Being rigorous in selection any females deemed to be not quite what the Inglis are looking for go into the commercial herd.

Greencap Kane 9,000gns

Increasingly prolific at sales and selling various bulls into pedigree herds, the herd’s top sale price to date is the 9000gns achieved for Greencap Kane at Stirling in October 2020 when sold to Michael Durno’s Auchorachan herd. However, Colin retains a very commercial focus in the bulls he’s looking to produce: “My aim with the pedigrees is to be able to produce good commercial bulls that sell well to repeat customers. If I manage to sell bulls into pedigree herds then that really is a bonus and makes me proud of what I am doing,” he says.

Greencap Jaeger Junior Champion 2019 Royal Highland

With regards to the Next Generation Sale judging ahead, Colin is clear on the type of Simmental that will catch his eye: “I am looking for nice feminine females, and heifer calves, with plenty of breed character, length and style that show themselves well when coming into the ring, and with good locomotion,” he says. “I think selling younger Simmental stock in the weaned calf sections is also a new approach and a good idea. With the bull calves it means they will be able to mature more naturally without being pushed for sales at a later date, and they will carry a lot of potential for the buyers.”

Commenting on what will be his biggest judging ‘job’ to date, Colin said: “I very look forward to judging the first Next Generation Sale and I would like to wish all Simmental breeders the very best of luck with the show and sale.”
The Next Generation Sale, sponsored by Harbro, is due to be held on Friday December 3rd at Borderway Mart, Carlisle with the show commencing at 9.30am and the sale at 11.30am. On the Thursday evening December 2nd, the cattle can be viewed at the market between 5pm – 7pm and with hospitality available.

HEMINGFORD PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL HEIFER TO BE AUCTIONED WITH SALE PROCEEDS DONATED TO ‘BREAST CANCER NOW’ CHARITY

HEMINGFORD PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL HEIFER TO BE AUCTIONED WITH SALE PROCEEDS DONATED TO ‘BREAST CANCER NOW’ CHARITY

by | Oct 12, 2021 | 2021 East Anglia News, 2021 South East News, 2021 Next Generation News, 2021 News, 2021 Carlisle Sales, 2021

In an incredibly generous gesture, James and Rachael Griffin of the Hemingford Simmental herd, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, have pledged to donate the entire sale proceeds of their heifer, Hemingford Lancome, to the Breast Cancer Now charity.  The March 2020 born Hemingford Lancome is entered into the Society’s new Next Generation Sale of females & weaned calves, which is due to take place at Borderway Market, Carlisle, on Friday 3rd December.  The announcement of this gesture is appropriately being made now with October being Breast Cancer awareness month. 

Here in their own very poignant words, James and Rachel explain why they are auctioning Hemingord Lancome for this hugely worth cause:

 “Around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and, like so many

of you, we have been unfortunate enough to know and watch someone close battle this disease.  

In 2018 Breast Cancer became even closer to home when Rachael was diagnosed at the age of just 33, with no family history of the disease.

Following this journey, we decided that we wanted to do something to raise both awareness and funds for vital research and along with help and support for people affected by breast cancer.

Donating the sale funds of an auctioned heifer was originally planned to coincide with the Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations, and we wish to stand by our commitment to this.

We are incredibly grateful to the Society for their continued support and allowing us to instead undertake this fundraiser at their exciting new Next Generation sale.  We have therefore pledged that we will be donating all the proceeds from the sale of Hemingford Lancome to Breast Cancer Now.”

James & Rachael Griffin

The Society is delighted to help and support James and Rachael to promote this amazing gesture and to raise funds and awareness for such an important cause.

At this early stage we are grateful to Harrison & Hetherington who have also readily lent their support and have immediately agreed, along with the Society, that no sale commissions will apply to the sale of the heifer.  H&H will also help promote the sale for the charitable cause.

A Just Giving page has also been established, and is open now, if you would simply like to make a donation to Breast Cancer Now and in support of James & Rachael’s initiative.  James will be at the upcoming Stirling Bull Sale and will be happy to chat to members about this fundraising initiative and of course Hemingford Lancome.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/british-simmental1

I’m sure all members will support and wish James & Rachael well with their fundraising efforts for Breast Cancer Now. 

‘THE HUGO ARNOLD TROPHY’ ANNOUNCED FOR THE SIMMENTAL ‘NEXT GENERATION’ SALE

‘THE HUGO ARNOLD TROPHY’ ANNOUNCED FOR THE SIMMENTAL ‘NEXT GENERATION’ SALE

by | Jul 30, 2021 | 2021 Next Generation News, 2021 News, 2021 Carlisle Sales, 2021

The British Simmental Cattle Society is delighted to announce the gift of a newly commissioned trophy, ‘The Hugo Arnold Trophy’, which will be awarded to the Overall Champion in the Weaned Calf section of the new Simmental ‘Next Generation’ Show and Sale to be held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, in December this year.  In addition to the new trophy, named in memory of Hugo Arnold of the highly noted Hockenhull Simmental herd, the Cheshire based Arnold family have also put forward a sponsorship arrangement that will see a level of prize money put forward to the sale over the next five years.

Announcing the gift of The Hugo Arnold Trophy and the sponsorship agreement, BSCS President Stewart Stronach said: “Upon being approached by James Arnold, the Society is of course absolutely delighted to accept this hugely generous offer.  Hugo Arnold is a legendary figure in the history of British Simmental and I’m sure all members will agree that it is very fitting and appropriate to have his name at the forefront of this new sale.  On behalf of the Society I’d like to sincerely thank the Arnold family for their kindness and support.”

Hugo Arnold, who sadly passed away last year, served a distinguished term as the Society’s President in 1995-1996.  His Hockenhull pedigree prefix resonates with Simmental and pedigree breeders not just in the UK but around the world. Synonymous with quality, breeding, and stockmanship, Hockenhull animals have been prolific at both sales and shows to the very highest level, and Hockenhull bloodlines have been the bedrock of many herds and with a continuing influence throughout the Simmental herdbook.

Commenting on the offer made to the Society, Mr Arnold’s son James said: “My father loved the Simmental breed and they played a huge part in his life.  One of his often quoted sayings was that ‘Simmental cattle needed to be bred because they make money and not because they look good being shown’!  The commercial perspective of this new sale, and particularly the emphasis and marketing of the young stock, we are sure would have sat very well with him.  As such the Arnold family are delighted to be associated with this progressive fixture and to help support the breed and the membership.”

First announced in April this year, the Simmental ‘Next Generation’ Sale will be for all classes of pedigree Simmental females, and with a further section for pedigree Simmental Weaned Calves born in the 2021 year.  Held on one day, the fixture will see a show for the females, followed by the weaned calves with classes for bulls and heifers, and with the sale itself held thereafter. 

Speaking at the time of the launch, Stewart Stronach said: “It is the aim that this fixture can quickly establish itself to be a showcase sale for the Simmental breed that provides the quality, performance and genetics for ‘next generation’ cornerstone cattle in herds across the UK.   The introduction of a weaned calf section for registered calves born in the year of the sale is an exciting inclusion and a new way for breeders to market calves with breeding, style and potential.  We hope that this sale will have something for everyone and will offer choice and opportunities for new and established pedigree breeders, and also for commercial producers.”

The Simmental ‘Next Generation’ Sale will be held on Friday 3rd December at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle.  Entries opened on Monday 14th June and can be made by visiting the Simmental section within the H&H website at: 

https://harrisonandhetherington.co.uk/entry-forms/pedigree-beef-online/?catid=62&cat=simmental

The closing date for entries is Monday 4th October.

NEW SIMMENTAL ‘NEXT GENERATION’ SALE SCHEDULE NOW OUT!

NEW SIMMENTAL ‘NEXT GENERATION’ SALE SCHEDULE NOW OUT!

by | Jul 30, 2021 | 2021 Next Generation News, 2021 News, 2021 Carlisle Sales, Uncategorised, 2021

Following the recent announcement we have been delighted with the response to the new Simmental ‘Next Generation’ Sale fixture due to be held on Friday 3rd December at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

The new fixture will be for all classes of pedigree Simmental females, and with a further section for pedigree Simmental Weaned Calves born in the 2021 year. Held on one day, the fixture will see a show for the females, followed by the weaned calves with classes for bulls and heifers, and with the sale itself held thereafter.

With the sale little over six months away, we are very keen to outline the schedule in order to help you consider and take aim at what females and young calves you may wish to enter.

The schedule has been designed to be as inclusive as possible across both sections.  Come sale time we’ve changed things up a little to allow the weaned calves to be sold in herd consignments and with choices to sell them in pairs where you may choose to.

Entries will be open from Monday 14th June and by visiting the Simmental section within the H&H website at:  https://harrisonandhetherington.co.uk/entry-forms/pedigree-beef-online/?catid=62&cat=simmental  The closing date for entries is Monday 4th October.

This is an exciting new event for the Society to launch and we hope that it will become an annual fixture that will be a first-class sale platform and a terrific showcase for the breed.  As such we very much hope that you will consider supporting the inaugural Simmental ‘Next Generation’ Sale and from here the Society will continue to promote it at every opportunity.  Look out for further updates and announcements regarding the sale in due course through both newsletters and social media.

The provisional Simmental ‘Next Generation’ show and sale schedule is as follows:

SIMMENTAL FEMALES

Pedigree Simmental Cow, in calf

 Pedigree Simmental Cow, with calf at foot

 Pedigree Simmental Heifer, with calf at foot, and/or in-calf (aged not more than 36 months at calving. In-calf entries must be served or inseminated more than 12 weeks warranted, and due to calve before attaining the age of 36 months)

 Pedigree Simmental Heifer, born between 1.1.2020. and 30.6.2020. 

Pedigree Simmental Heifer, born between 1.7.2020. and 31.12.2020.  
All female entries will be sold in age order.

All females must be halter led.

All females will be subject to a crush inspection prior to the sale.

SIMMENTAL WEANED CALVES 

The sale will be open to bull and heifer calves born on or after 1st January 2021. 

 Pedigree Simmental Bull Calf, born in 2021. (Calves to be divided into appropriate sized classes for judging by age.)

Pedigree Simmental Heifer Calf, born in 2021.  (Calves to be divided into appropriate sized classes for judging by age.) 

Bull and heifer calves to be sold in separate sections.

Bull and heifer calves must be halter led to be shown.

Bull calves will be subject to a crush inspection for teeth and testicles.

Heifer calves will require an ID check only.

Calves will not be sold in age order but will be sold in vendors consignments of a maximum of six calves per consignment.  Calves may be sold in pairs (i.e. choice of pair).

 The consignments of weaned calves will be balloted prior to being catalogued and the sale order will be as per the catalogue.

The sale will be conducted in guineas with no upset price.

General:

All entries in both the female, and weaned calf sections must be fully pedigree registered with the Society at close of entries.

All entries in both sections must be offered for sale.

All entries for both the females and weaned calf sections must be DNA sire verified.

All herds entering must be members of a CHECS approved herd health scheme.

In addition to the stipulations here, the general sale rules of the British Simmental Cattle Society will apply. 

At the close of entries the Society reserves the right to amend the classes and subject to the entries received.

BRITISH SIMMENTAL ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW ‘NEXT GENERATION’ SALE FIXTURE TO BE HELD AT CARLISLE IN DECEMBER 2021

BRITISH SIMMENTAL ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW ‘NEXT GENERATION’ SALE FIXTURE TO BE HELD AT CARLISLE IN DECEMBER 2021

by | Jul 30, 2021 | 2021 Next Generation News, 2021 News, 2021 Carlisle Sales, 2021

BRITISH SIMMENTAL ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW ‘NEXT GENERATION’ SALE FIXTURE TO BE HELD AT CARLISLE IN DECEMBER 2021

The British Simmental Cattle Society has announced an exciting new sale fixture to be held at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle on 3rd December this year.

Titled as the Simmental ‘Next Generation’ Sale, the new fixture will be for all classes of pedigree Simmental females, and with a further section for pedigree Simmental Weaned Calves born in the 2021 year. Held on one day, the fixture will see a show for the females, followed by the weaned calves with classes for bulls and heifers, and with the sale itself held thereafter. 

Announcing the launch of this new fixture, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s President, Stewart Stronach said that the timing was ‘just right’ for the breed to introduce a high-profile Society sale of pedigree females and with the new dynamic of a section of weaned calves.  Commenting he said:

“It is the aim that this fixture can quickly establish itself to be a showcase sale for the Simmental breed that provides the quality, performance and genetics for ‘next generation’ cornerstone cattle in herds across the UK.   The introduction of a weaned calf section for registered calves born in the year of the sale is an exciting inclusion and a new way for breeders to market calves with breeding, style and potential.  We hope that this sale will have something for everyone and will offer choice and opportunities for new and established pedigree breeders, and also for commercial producers.”

Harrison & Hetherington will host the sale at their Borderway Mart, Carlisle, a venue that has been chosen to be as accessible as possible for both buyers and sellers from around Great Britain and Northern Ireland.    

In further comments, Mr Stronach went on to say: “British Simmental is established as one of the most profitable breeds in the beef industry and has all the attributes to be a ‘go to mainstay’ of the commercial suckler herd across the UK.  In addition to its premier and well-established maternal qualities, we know that Simmental is the No.1 Continental Beef Breed for Age at Slaughter, and with its growth advantages can deliver a green beef product with increased profitability.  Commercial producers are recognising the versatility and natural efficiencies of the Simmental breed and this is driving pedigree sales and the strong returns we are seeing for Simmental influenced cattle in commercial rings.  It is a timely point to announce this exciting new fixture and to widen the reach and availability of British Simmental”.