Snapshot commercial herd feature on David and Rosemarie Cornthwaite, Balgray Hill, Lockerbie as they prepare for the first part of their fast-approaching commercial herd dispersal sale at Lockerbie Mart on Tuesday 22nd June.
Beef producers will soon have the chance to purchase top-quality, well-bred cattle from a leading commercial herd based in South West Scotland. David and Rosemarie Cornthwaite of Balgray Hill, Lockerbie, are set to disperse 120 Limousin cross and Simmental cross heifers and cows with Limousin and British Blue calves at foot from their large-scale beef suckler herd on Tuesday, June 22 at Lockerbie Mart.
Featuring top Simmental genetics, the offering includes 85 first to third calvers and 35 fourth calvers and above, as well as four of the herd’s stock bulls which are all proven sires boasting tremendous bloodlines.
These include a Simmental named Newbiemains Daz; two British Blues, Greystone Limelight, and Greystone Meric; and the 19-month-old Limousin, Spedling Producer, a son of the former show cow Maybe Cute.
The Cornthwaites first introduced the Simmental to their breeding policy 13 years ago and they have been most impressed with the breed’s ability to produce a functional suckler cow which goes on to rear a strong calf with good growth rates.
“We buy in Limousin cross Friesian heifers from a closed herd and bull them to a Limousin to breed three-quarter Limousins which we use as herd replacements,” said David, who has been farming at Balgray Hill for three decades.
“The best of these replacement females are then bulled to the Simmental to give us an additional crossing, before being put back in-calf to Limousin or British Blue bulls.
“Although we use a variation of beef breeds, the Simmental is a staple part of our herd and has helped put milk back into our females and improve growth rates in our calves, particularly the males which are sold through the store ring.”
Rosemarie added: “We find Simmental females mature quicker and have more milk at a younger age which has also allowed us to calve heifers at two-years-old, compared to the Limousin crosses at three years of age. This is a huge benefit to our beef herd as the females are productive at a younger age, producing more calves overall.
“The Limousin and Simmental cross works well as you get the milk, shape and good maternal traits in the females.”
While the majority of the heifer calves are kept as herd replacements, the bull calves and heifers not suitable for breeding are sold at nine to 10 months of age through Carlisle, Kirkby Stephen, Lockerbie and Stirling (UA).
Despite selling Simmental-sired calves through store rings in areas where Limousins feature strongly, the yearling cattle from Balgray Hill have met a fantastic trade in the past, with bullocks selling at £1300-£1320 and heifers reaching tops of £1200 at nine to 10 months-old weighing 430kg-500kg.
Balgray Hill have also enjoyed success in pre-sale shows at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, having stood first, second and third in the pens of four at the annual continental store sale held in March.
“These calves are a good weight for age and are easy fleshing animals so they will go and perform well for the finisher,” said David. “It’s a great advantage being able to cross the Simmental cross females to virtually any breed of bull such as the British Blue which produces sweet calves with shape and style.”
Top-quality stock bulls have been purchased in over the years, with all four destined for next week’s sale having bred consistently well for the herd.
“We couldn’t fault the bulls for their temperament while they have been with us, particularly the Simmentals which have been easily handled and fit to work at a great age,” said David.
“The father of our nine-year-old bull Newbiemains Daz, was Newbiemains Apache, which we also owned. Both of these bulls have been very prolific.”
All heifers and cows destined for sale on Tuesday, 22nd June are free of the bull and the herd maintains a high health status, being BVD accredited, Johnes Level 2 and TB 4 (last tested December 2020).
The herd also vaccinates for Lepto & BVD and all calves have been dehorned.
David concluded: “Over the years, other vendors in the south west and Cumbria have shown interest in our calves and were keen to know more about the Simmental cross females we breed and the policy we follow.
“I reckon there’s a secure future for the Simmental as both a maternal and terminal sire, producing milky, fertile replacements and easy fleshing cattle that can be sold at a good weight for age.”
· 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
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).
Overall Champion, Female Champion, Best Animal bred by Exhibitor & Senior Female Champion
To start I’d like to thank the Scottish Simmental Club for the absolute honour and privilege of judging their National Show. The high standard of cattle put before me were an absolute credit to the breeders and the Simmental breed.
Class 1: Bulls born before 31/12/16. Quite a difficult class with three different types of bull. The first place for Curaheen Drifter, a well fleshed, long, deep bodied bull who moved very well on the day. Second was Newbie Mains Fame and Fortune, who on the day out powered Auroch Hudson who was giving away quite a bit of age. Class 2. First was Blackford Iolair, a very big, growthy bull who was a different type to the second place Islavale Irish, a long fleshy bull who had plenty of breed character. Blackford Iolair then went on to be Reserve Male Junior Champion. Third was Pitmudie Inverurie, a deep, well fleshed bull, just lacking the length and power of the two bulls placed above him. Class 3. First was Islavale Imperial, long, well fleshed, great movement and full of breed character, a bull which is going to have an outstanding future. He went on to be my Junior Champion and Reserve Male Champion. Second was Islavale Isaac, another good bull brought from the same stable. Well fleshed but on the day didn’t move as well as his yard mate. Third was Corskie Infinity, a good bull just lacking the flesh and power of the 2 bulls above him. Class 4. First was Cairnorrie Irn-Bru, a good young modern bull, well fleshed for his age and another one to look out for in the future. Second was Woodhall Innerwick, another tidy bull but just lacked the flesh of the bull placed above him. Third was Blackford Island Legacy, a good calf but for me on the day just lacked the style of the 2 bulls above him. Class 5. First was Islavale Emerald. From the moment she walked in the ring I knew she was going to take some stopping. A cow with amazing presence and full of breed character. Everything I looked for in a top class cow. She went on to be my Female Champion, then overall Simmental Champion and Reserve Interbreed Champion. Second was Drumsleed Farina, another wonderful cow put before me who on any other day would have been a worthy champion but unfortunately was just out powered. Drumsleed Farina then went on to be my Reserve Female Champion. Third was Drumsleed Gretel, another good cow working hard but just wasn’t as good on the plates as her stable mate on the day. Drumsleed Farina and Drumsleed Gretel also went on to be part of the best Group of Three animals and became Reserve Interbreed Group of Three. Class 6. First was Pitmudie Havana, a very smart heifer, full of breed character and I’m sure she will become a good breeder. Second was Corskie He-enna, another cracking heifer who will also go on. Third place was Pitgaveny Gamble, another good strong heifer who on the day just lacked the condition of the 2 heifers above her. Class 7. First was Blackford Hyalite, a super strong heifer with a super head and big ears to match. Full of breed character and a worthy winner of this strong class. Second was Corskie Herlande, another good heifer but a slightly different type to my winner but still I’m sure will become a very good cow. Third, Corskie Herb, another good heifer but in my opinion on the day a little shorter in length to her stable mate. Class 8. First was Garmouth Dumandy’s Isabella. A tough class but Isabella was a rib longer and full of breed character to her class mates. She went on to be my Junior Female Champion and Reserve Junior Champion. Second was Corskie Inita, another sweet heifer who just lacked the length of the first place heifer. Third was Pitmudie Florin 2nd, another cracking heifer and very good on the plates. Class 9. First placed was Islavale Illusion, a nice red, clean, long modern heifer who at an early age shows great promise. She went on to be my Reserve Junior Female Champion. Second place was Cairnorrie Clarissa 3rd, a nice heifer with good breed characteristics. Third place was Auchorachan Hilly, a lovely long heifer but on the day didn’t move as well as the 2 placed above her. Class 10. Three lovely calves were put before me and in first place I put Drumsleed Janine, a super sweet calf who will hopefully follow in her dam’s footsteps. Second place was Islavale Jewel, a good red heifer but harshly lacked the width of Janine. Third was Quarryhill Jen, another super calf who has done well off her dam. I’m sure she will be in the show ring when she is older. Class 11: Best pair for me on the day were Islavale Imperial and Islavale Irish who were a uniformed match. Long fleshy bulls with great potential. Finally I would like to thank the Turriff Show for their hospitality, to Tom Henderson and his family and to Richard Pettit for all their organising which led to the smooth running of classes and Neil Shand for his class stewarding.
Drumsleed Farina
DATE: 5th August to 6th August 2018
JUDGE: Mr S Key
CLASS & POSITION
NAME OF ANIMAL
SIRE
DAM
EXHIBITOR
Overall Champion, Female Champion, Best Animal bred by Exhibitor & Senior Female Champion
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