Simmental cattle were again firmly to the fore in the top prices and sections of the sale of 264 breeding cattle held at Aberdeen & Northern Marts Thainstone Centre, on Tuesday 26th April.
Leading the strong Simmental sired entries, and heading the heifer with heifer calf section, was a Simmental cross with Limousin cross calf at foot at £3,100 from regular consignors George and Charles Gordon, Lost Farm, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire.
The Cow with Bull Calf section sold to £2,500 for a Simmental cross with Limousin cross calf from Knowehead, Kildrummy. Cows with Heifer Calves sold to £2,150 (twice) including a Simmental with Limousin cross calf from Knowehead.
Danny Leslie presenting Craig Malone with the Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the Champion Simmental Sired heifer & Steven Eddie of East Coast Viners
In the annual show and sale of heifers with calves at foot, kindly sponsored by East Coast Viners and judged by David Barclay, Tullo of Garvock, Laurencekirk, the Overall Reserve Champion and winner of the Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the Champion Simmental Sired heifer went to Craig Malone, Pitcairn Farm , with a Simmental cross with Limousin cross bull calf realising £2,800 to the judge.
Rockytop Leo
In the show of breeding bulls the top price Simmental was Rockytop Leo which made 4000gns for Gary & Angela Christie, Birchfield, Glass, Huntly. September 2020 born Rockytop Leo is fully homebred being sired by Rockytop I’m Yer Man, and out of Rockytop Tinka’s Geneva.
Overall, the sale averaged £2,316.02 and with other leading Simmental prices including:
Heifer with Bull Calf: SimX – Ardhuncart Farms, Auchtygall £2,900, Lost Farm £2,850, South Blachrie, Lost Farm, Auchtygall, Pitcairn £2,800, Fairburn, Lost Farm £2,750. Heifer with Heifer Calf: SimX – Auchmaliddie Mains £2,850, Ardhuncart Farms, Lost Farm £2,750, Lost Farm £2,600. Cows 2nd Calvers with Heifer Calf: Sim – Upper Ashalloch £2,250. Cow with Bull Calf: Sim – Nether Kirkton £2,250, Knowehead £2,150; SimX – Knowehead £2,200, Nether Kirkton £2,080, £2,020, £2,000. Cow with Heifer Calf: SimX – Nether Kirkton £2,000, £1,980, Knowehead £1,950. Show and Sale of Commercial Beef Breeding Cattle Judging Sponsored by East Coast Viners Judge – David Barclay, Tullo of Garvock, Laurencekirk Class 1 Simmental Sired Heifer with Male Calf 1st – C Malone, Pitcairn Farm, Cardenden £2,800 2nd – C & G Gordon, Lost Farm, Strathdon £2,600 Class 2 Simmental Sired Heifer with Female Calf 1st – H & K Brown, Auchmaliddie Mains, Maud £2,850 2nd – Ardhuncart Farms, Ardhuncart, Kildrummy £2,900 3rd – I & M Keith, Auchtygall, Peterhead £2,900
SIMMENTALS NATURAL MILK AND MATERNAL COMBINED WITH TOP CARCASE TRAITS DELIVERING EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY AROUND THE UK
On 8th December, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, held a sale store cattle and adult breeding cattle at Dingwall. Young Bulls sold to £900 gross for a Simmental cross from Cherrybank, Heights of Keppoch. Breeding cattle sold to £1,480 for a in calf Simmental cross cow from ½ of 2 Glengrasco, Portree.
On Monday 6th December, Penrith & District Farmers’ Mart LLP held their Christmas show and sale of Prime Cattle. A great show of young bulls was forward, which was good to see and with the section topped at 255.5p/kg (£1584.10) for a Simmental X British Blue, weighing 620kg, purchased by R Pearson Wholesale. This consignment averaged £1669.30 (248p/kg.)
On 6th December Market Drayton held a sale of barren cows, cull bulls and overage clean cattle. Simmentals featured in the top end prices and sold to 195p (£1,677.00) from Paul & Christine Tippets, Lodge Hill.
At Sedgemoor’s Store Sale on 4th December, forward red and white Simmental steers hit £1495 (3x only 16/17m & FA) from BT Wood, Marshwood, who sold another at £1140 (only 14m!). More best Simmentals £1395 (19/20m & FA) JC & PA Chapple again; £1285 (20m) LE Sweetland & Son again, and £1140 (only 17m) PR Lock, Martock.
At a sale of store cattle, young bulls, and young weaned calves held on 3rd December at A&NM’s Thainstone Centre, Aberdeen, young bulls sold to 232.5p per kg for a pen of four 400kg Simmental crosses from South Auquhorthies, Oldmeldrum and £1,290 gross for a 730kg Simmental from Rootfield West, Muir of Ord.
A cracking entry of young calves at Exeter’s Store Stock Sale on 3rd December saw a fast trade from start to finish! Top of the bull calves forward was £355 for a smart young Simmental Bull from Keith & Shirley Wotton of Dartmouth who sold others to £330. Other Simmental bulls to £342 for Ross Govier of Longdown.
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd held a special sale of breeding cattle and OTM cattle at Dingwall on 2nd December. In Calf heifers sold to £1,850 gross for a Simmental cross from Rychraggan Farm, Drumnadrochit. In calf cows sold to £1,800 gross for a Simmental cross from Cullaird Farm, Scaniport. Bulling heifers sold to £1,140 gross for a Simmental cross from Balmacaan, Drumnadrochit.
At Thainstone on 2nd December, Aberdeen & Northern Marts held a sale of Cast Cows and Prime Cattle forward from Orkney consignors. Beef Cows Sold to £1,515 gross for a 888kg Simmental from A Miller, Spring Valley, Stronsay and 189.2p per kg for a 576kg Simmental from B S Scott, Netherhill, Tankerness. On the same day at a sale of cast cows and bulls, bulls averaged £1,046.88 and sold to £1,270 for a 1,040kg Simmental from West Brims, Forss.
At Huntly on 2nd December, United Auctions held a sale of store and OTM cattle. Bullocks averaged 210p per kg and sold to t a top gross of £1190 for 569kg SimX’s from Whitehills, Grange.
On 1st December United Auctions at their Stirling market sold 421 store cattle, native bred cattle and young bulls, 200 cast cows, bulls and out of spec cattle. Bullocks (235) averaged 222.64p and sold to £1420 gross for a 642kg SimX from Auchencrow. Heifers (160) averaged 202.61p and to £1345 gross for a 644kg SimX from Milton. Beef Cows and Bulls (179) averaged 131.50p to 181.90p per kg for a SimX from Newpark.
At Holsworthy’s store cattle sale on 1st December, single suckled Simmental steers 15mth from Messrs N & B Trewin of Bideford topped at £1120 and with Simmental heifers from the same farm £1240.
At Malton’s Christmas Fatstock Show & Sale on 1st December, Simmental X’s took the two top prices in the Champion Butcher’s Bull section. The top price was a Simm X from SF Stubbings, Sledmere weighing 825kgs and selling for 220.50ppk (£1898.13) to JA Jewitt, Spennymoor. A second Simm X from the same home weighing sold for 211.50ppk (£1681.43) to R Pearson of Bradford.
A good entry of cull cows at Truro Market on 1st December saw the heavier finished cows for slaughter topping at £1,281 for a Simmental x from Mr G J Richards of Porkellis, Helston purchased by David King of Exeter.
C & D Auction Marts held their fortnightly sale of 308 Store Cattle on Monday 29th November at Dumfries. Heifers per head were led by Simms at £1250 Horseholm, who sold further lots at £1100 £1085 (x2) £1060. Bulls per head were topped by Simms from Newbie Mains at £1200 £1060.
Plenty of store cattle forward at Exeter with Simmental cattle topping both the steers and the heifers. Best of the steers topped at a very decent £1325 for a smashing Simmental (21m) from Richard Widger of Kingsbridge. . Store heifers peaked at £1320 for a well-covered trio of Simmental’s (28m) from the Shervington Family of Hittisleigh.
At the sale of prime cattle at Frome on 26th November, quality was on fire in the UTM heifers. At the very top end of the prices was Messrs Garraway’s Simmental which rocketed to £1541 and 213.50p/kg. On the same day in the UTM steers, a super Simmental from Waddon Farm flew to 209.50p/kg or £1456.
In a sale of store cattle at Hallworthy Market on 25th November, the cows and calves section was topped by D Crabbe with another strong run that saw his Simmental x Cow and Limousin Steer Calf sell to £1490.
On 24th November in the TB restricted market report of store stock at Sedgemoor, the sale of barren cows and cull bulls, saw a top of 139.5ppk for a lean, young feeding Simmental (FA) from AJB Farming Ltd, Chippenham. Store cattle sold to £1095 for Simmental steers (22/26m & FA) from AJB Farming Ltd, Bromham, who sold others at £1070 (3x 22/24m & FA) and £1000 (4x 18/25m FA).
At Borderway Mart on 22nd November, Carlisle, H&H’s sale of primestock saw Simmentals feature in the leading prices when selling to £1847 from Messrs Houldey, Kirtleton House, Lockerbie and purchased by Jewitt Meats, Spennymoor.
In a sale at Exeter on November 22nd, barren cows ran to £1127 (754kg x 150ppk) for David Slade of Chagford with a Simmental.
The store cattle sale at Market Drayton on 22nd November saw the heifer trade led at a top gross price of £1215 for an entry from B Oakley.
At Exeter’s store sale on 19th November, the stronger cattle were a monstrous price and all others just as dear as the market has seen them. Store steers topped at a massive £1570 given for a pair of outstanding Simmentals (21m) from Douglas Horton and Family of Kingsbridge whilst further smart Simmental bred bullocks (26m) ran to £1490 for both the Shervington Family of Hittisleigh and Michael Tooze of Broadsands.
At a sale of prime cattle at Aberdeen & Northern Marts, Thainstone, on 18th November, heifers averaged 194.9p and sold to £1,520.40 gross for a 840kg Simmental from Berryleys, Grange.
Oswestry held a sale of store cattle (160) on 17th November. From a good quality entry the top price was £1430 (220p/kg) paid for a Simmental steer sold by P I Edwards, Dudleston.
On Monday 15th November, Caledonian Marts Ltd Stirling had forward 212 Store Cattle at their fortnightly sale. Bullocks averaged 217ppkg selling to £1100 gross for a pen of Simmentals from R Fairley, Shields, Larbert.
Craig Wilson Ltd sold 207 Store Cattle at Newton Stewart on 12th November. Cattle proved easier to cash than anticipated with a good active ringside of buyers forward. 98 beef sired steers averaged 211.4p k/g peaking at £1260 for a pair of home bred Simmental Crosses from Margot McBurney, South Clutag. 8 Dairy bred Steers averaged 169p k/g peaking at £900 (180.p k/g) for Fleckvieh crosses from Messrs Archibald, Glaick. 101 Heifers averaged 201.6p k/g peaking at £1120 for home bred Simmental Crosses from Margot McBurney, South Clutag.
At Aberdeen & Northern Marts sale of prime cattle held at Thainstone on 11th November, heifers averaged 202.5p and sold to £1,531.80 gross for a 740kg Simmental from Cairnhill, Huntly. On the same day a sale of cast cows and bulls saw beef feeding cows (65) average £982.69 and sell to £1,155 for a 862kg Simmental Cross from Fichlie, Glenkindie. On the 12th November at A&NM’s sale of store cattle, young bulls, and weaned calves, bulls sold to 223.9p per kg for a pen of three 402kg Simmental crosses from South Auquhorthies, Oldmeldrum.
In a sale of Cull Cows at Frome market on 10th November, a selection of truly outstanding beef cows were forward. The top price gross price on the day went to Messrs EM Horn & Sons with a Simmental cow 149.50p/kg and £1478.
• Islavale heifers at 9000gns, 8000gns (x2), and 7000gns
• Newbiemains heifer at 9000gns
• 21 lots sell at 4000gns and over
• Served & maiden heifers averaged £4396
• Bull calves average £6174
The ‘standout’ January 2021 born bull calf Omorga Murphy from HJW & JC Moore, Coolesker, Omagh, Co Tyrone, made 16,000gns to lead a strong Simmental trade at the inaugural Next Generation Sale of Females & Weaned Calves held at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday 3rd December.
Winning the Hugo Arnold Trophy for Overall Champion Weaned Calf in the pre-sale show judged by Colin Inglis, Dalachy Farm, Aberdour, Fife, Omorga Murphy was purchased by Clive Houldey for his 170 cow Manor Park pedigree herd at Kirtleton House, Waterbeck, Lockerbie.
Omorga Murphy is sired by Omorga Isaac who is ‘breeding very well’ for AI Services in Northern Ireland and his dam, Omorga Juliet, is one of the top Mullyknock Gallant heifers in the Omorga herd and going back to Kilbride Farm Eunice 49T. Commenting on his Champion Weaned Calf, and the day’s top sale price, the pre-sale show judge Colin Inglis said: “Omorga Murphy was just a stand-out bull calf on the day. Well-grown he carried tremendous length, had a great backend, good legs, and walked very well for the shape he was carrying. He had tremendous breed character and very much fits the bill of a ‘modern’ Simmental.” With the added challenges presently faced by Northern Irish breeders bringing and trading cattle in England and Scotland, the decision to enter three bull calves paid off with the Omorga trio selling to a gross of £24,885. For the Omorga herd of 40 breeding females the 16,000gns represented their second top price at sale and behind the 22,000gns bull Omorga Samson.
Very much endorsing the judge’s comments, Clive Houldey said: “We’ve been looking for a stock bull for a little while and we think this calf has all the attributes to fit that bill for the Manor Park herd. He’s got length, style and character, shape, and depth down his back legs. We’ll look to use him a little bit in July next year and then ease him into the herd thereafter.”
Featuring a catalogue of predominantly maiden and in-calf heifers, along with weaned bull and heifer calves, the sale saw heifers from the Islavale herd of WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith make 9000gns, 8000gns twice, and 7000gns. This was the first time the prolific Islavale herd had entered heifers into a show and sale and with their entries featuring top bloodlines breeding from some of the herd’s best cow families. A heifer from the Newbiemains herd of Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire also made the day’s joint second top price of 9000gns. In all, over 20 lots made 4000gns and more through the respective sections with buyers featuring from all four home countries and from Orkney to Southampton. The 16,000gns top price is a record for the breed at Carlisle and is also a record for a British Simmental weaned calf.
Commenting on the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager Iain Kerr said: “The Next Generation Sale is a new fixture for the breed at Carlisle and it’s received tremendous support from the breeders with a very good standard of cattle forward. It is very much an aim that this sale can grow the reach and visibility of the Simmental breed across the country and to this end today has been a very solid first step. There was a strong demand for young stock, male and female, both in the heifers and the calves.”
Newbiemains Lady Wag 9,000gns
The first of the females to sell at 9000gns was the first prize winner and Overall reserve Female Champion, Newbiemains Lady Wag from Jim & Patricia Goldie. August 2020 born Lady Wag is one of the first heifers to be offered at sale by the herd’s stock bull Skerrington Iceman EX94, and she is out of Newbiemains Hash Tag Wag, a Lisglass Churchill daughter. Returning to Carlisle, Newbiemains Lady Wag had been shown at the recent Borderway Agri Expo where she also placed first in her class. With a depth of pedigree, the Lady Wag dam line goes back to Newbiemains Designer Wag EX92 who was Reserve Female Champion at the 2014 Royal Highland Show. Newbiemains Lady Wag was one of three purchases on the day by Richard McCulloch for his Overhill House pedigree herd at Armadale, West Lothian that comprises of 40 pedigrees and 160 pure Simmentals in all. Speaking after the sale, Richard McCulloch said: “It was a tremendous show and sale of Simmentals with a depth of quality right through the catalogue. Prior to the sale, Newbiemains Lady Wag had caught my eye in both pictures and videos and I was very impressed with her in the flesh. I was looking for different bloodlines and heifers that are real cow makers. As such I’m really delighted with the three animals bought on the day from the Newbiemains, Corskie, and Mavsey herds.”
Islavale Viva 8 9,000gns
Also at 9000gns, and leading the line-up from the Stronach family, was the September 2020 born Islavale Viva 8. Described as ‘one of the best heifers bred out of the Viva family,’ Viva 8 goes back to the noted Raceview Viva Kim, and her dam Viva 2, has twice classified EX94. Another animal with a recent show record behind her Islavale Viva 8 had placed Overall Senior Champion at the recent Stars of the Future Calf Show held in Stirling. Buying Islavale Viva 8 was Reece & Andrew Simmers for their 50-cow Backmuir pedigree herd at Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire.
Islavale Lullaby 8,000gns
The Simmers bought four animals at the sale and including the day’s Overall Female Champion Islavale Lullaby, another from the Stronachs, at 8000gns. April 2020 born, Lullaby is sired by Shacon Hannibal who is classified EX94 and is the first calf out of Islavale Inspire a daughter of the noted Atlow Dixon. Having been crowned the first Overall Female Champion at this new Next Generation Show & Sale, the judge Colin Inglis was full of praise for his choice of Champion and said: “Coming into the ring this heifer carried a lot of style and presence and just caught my eye straight away. She was very feminine, carried lots of breed character, walked very well, and was square from front to back with good shape. Lullaby is a lovely Simmental heifer and a worthy Champion from what was a tremendous show of females.”
The run of strong Islavale prices continued when the October 2020 born Islavale Liquorice also made 8000gns when selling to join purchasers Gavin Brown, who runs the Springfield herd at Penicuik, Midlothian, and along with Cameron Jackson, for his Future herd at Woodyett Farm, Lanark. Another heifer full of breed character, Islavale Liquorice is by the noted Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX94, and is out of the Woodhall Walker daughter Islavale Ebo. The previous lot, Islavale Lyra made 7000gns and was another to be snapped up by the Simmers for their Backmuir herd. A heifer’s calf with width and length, the October 2020 born Lyra is entirely homebred being by Islavale Echo 2 13 EX92, and out of Islavale Jinx (P), a Curaheen Giant daughter.
Corskie Limit 6,000gns
Selling at 6000gns was the January 2020 born Corskie Limit from the noted Corskie herd of WJ&J Green, Garmouth, Fochabers. This heifer is by Drumagarner Hughes, whose sons have already sold to 8000gns, and is out of Corskie Fuschia EX91, a Greencap Ace daughter. Corskie Lavender was a further purchase by Richard McCulloch for his Overhill House herd at Armadale.
Islavale Teresa 15 5,550gns
Early in the catalogue the first prized calved heifer Islavale Teresa 15, from the Stronachs, was sold with her heifer calf at foot Islavale Teresa 24 for 5550gns. Islavale Teresa 15 is by Corskie Highlander 16 EX92 and is out of the Curaheen bandit daughter Islavale Teresa 6 EX93. Her calf at foot, Islavale Teresa 24, is by Islavale Echo 2 13 EX92. This outfit was one of three lots on the day bought by E&M Fairhurst & Son, Bank End, Lawkland, Austwick, Lancaster.
Auchorachan Liqueur Madie from D&R Durno & Sons, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballandalloch, Banffshire made 5000gns when selling to Orkney and the Swannay herd of Ryan Morgan, Swannay Farm, By Evie. September 2020 born Auchorachan Liqueur Madie, is sired by Auchorachan Hercules 16 and is out of Auchorachan Favourite. A pedigree packed with breeding, Auchorachan Hercules first five sons sold have averaged over £10,500. Auchorachan Favourite is from the Madie family which has bred the noted Auchorachan bulls Wizard, Winger, and AC/DC. Auchorachan Liqueur Madie had been placed as Simmental Champion at the new pedigree section introduced at the recent LiveScot event held at Lanark.
Annick Jasmin’s Marigold 5,000gns
Also at the 5000gns mark, and from the heifer section of the Weaned Calves was Annick Jasmin’s Marigold from Mr LD Quarm, Holehouse Farm, By Irvine, Ayrshire. This calf, January 2021 born, is sired by Islavale Jackpot 18 and is out of Annick Fleur’s Jasmin VG88, a Wolfstar Golddigger 15 daughter, and whose breeding goes back to Whitemire Hannah, a top breeding female in the Annick herd. Going locally, this calf was purchased by GR Morton, who runs the Church Farm herd at Church Farm, Penrith.
Rachael Griffin with Hemingford Lancome
Special mention goes to James & Rachael Griffin, Hemingford Abbots, Huntingdon, who sold the March 2020 born Hemingford Lancome for 3000gns and also to GR Morton, Penrith. In an incredibly generous gesture the entire proceeds of this heifer are to be donated to the Breast Cancer Now Charity. Over and above the sale price, the Just Giving page also set up for this cause, has pushed past the £2000 mark. For good measure, the Griffins also sold the weaned heifer calf Hemingford L’Oreal for 4800gns to Philiphaugh Estate, Old Mill Farm, Selkirk. With plenty of breeding behind her, Hemingford L’Oreal is by Woodhall Ferrari 14, and is out of Hemingford Ginny.
Over and above the sale price, the Just Giving page also set up for this cause, has pushed past the £2000 mark. For good measure, the Griffins also sold the weaned heifer calf Hemingford L’Oreal for 4800gns to Philiphaugh Estate, Old Mill Farm, Selkirk. With plenty of breeding behind her, Hemingford L’Oreal is by Woodhall Ferrari 14, and is out of Hemingford Ginny.
AVERAGES:
30 Heifers Served & Maiden £4396
3 Heifers with Calves at foot £4865
5 Weaned Bull Calves £6174
10 Weaned Heifer Calves £3444
Auctioneers: Harrison & Hetherington
Female Championship Line upWeaned Calf Championship Line upJudge Colin Inglis
Auchorachan and Newbiemains prize winners heading to Next Generation Sale
It was a Championship double for D&R Durno & Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch when heifers from their noted Auchorachan herd took both the Simmental Championship and Reserve awards at the new Pedigree Calf Show fixture held within the Live Scot event at Lanark Agricultural Centre on Friday 26th November.
Taking the Overall Championship was the September 2020 born Auchorachan Liqueur Madie, who is sired by Auchorachan Hercules 16 and is out of Auchorachan Favourite. A pedigree packed with breeding, Auchorachan Hercules first five sons sold have averaged over £10,500. Auchorachan Favourite is from the Madie family which has bred the noted Auchorachan bulls Wizard, Winger, and AC/DC. Auchorachan Liqueur Madie took the Championship award after placing first in the senior heifer class.
Auchorachan Liqueur Madie
The Simmental classes were judged by Anne MacPherson of the well-known Blackford herd, Inverness and who described her Champion as “a really well fleshed and sweet heifer, who I have no doubt will go on to do well.” Of her Reserve she continued: “again this was a very similar heifer in type, but not quite as powerful on the day as the Champion.” Of the event as a whole Anne MacPherson said: “LiveScot was a very well-run event, and it’s great to see the inclusion of pedigree classes. As the event develops I have no doubt that the Simmental classes will continue to grow.”
Auchorachan Mellie Hilly
The Durnos also took the Reserve Champion with their Junior Heifer first prize winner Auchorachan Mellie Hilly. March 2021 born this calf is also by Auchorachan Hercules and out of Auchorachan Ellie EX90. For good measure, Auchorachan Major, another March 2021 born Auchorachan Hercules calf, out of Auchorachan Hilly 6 EX91, won the Junior Bull class. All three of these Auchorachan calves now head for Carlisle and the Society’s new Next Generation Sale of pedigree females and weaned calves (male & female), due to be held on Friday 3rd December.
Newbiemains Lady Wag
Standing second in her class to the Overall Champion was Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire with Newbiemains Lady Wag. The August 2020 born Lady Wag is by the herd stock bull Skerrington Iceman EX94, and is out of Newbiemains Hash Tag Wag, a Lisglass Churchill daughter. Previously shown for the first time at the recent Borderway Agri Expo Simmental Calf Show, and where she took first prize in a very strong class of heifers, Newbiemains Lady Wag is another headed for the Next generation Sale at Carlisle.
The Goldies took first prize in the Senior Bull Calf class with the August 2020 born Newbiemains Leonidas. This calf is by Moorglen Hillbilly EX91 and is out of Woodhall Ginger (TF) VG86.
The inaugural Four Breed Calf Show has been hailed as a resounding success, by organisers, exhibitors, sponsors and spectators.
Supported by HVS Animal Health, Oddball Engineering and Dunbia, the multi-breed event featuring British Blue, British Blonde, Saler and Simmental entries, was held at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart.
The Simmental section dominated the one-day show with entries coming under the expert eye of breed society vice-president Norman Robson, from the noted 90-cow Kilbride Farm Herd based at Doagh, Ballyclare.
“It has been a great day, with a quality entry of calves in all classes. It was encouraging to see a number of new breeders taking part, and the calves were all well behaved which highlights the docile temperament of the breed.”
Senior champion, senior heifer class winner Ashland Topaz Lopez bred by Pat and Frank Kelly, Tempo. Picture: David Porter
Leading the senior championship line-up was the much-admired heifer Ashland Topaz Lopez bred and exhibited by Pat and Frank Kelly from Tempo. This fourteen-month-old heifer was sired by the 14,000gns Saltire Impressive, and is out of a home-bred Ashland Brandy daughter – one of ten breeding females in the County Fermanagh herd.
Her dam, Ashland Topaz 2nd also bred the first prize heifer Ashland Topaz Janet, sold at the NI Simmental Club’s sale in October 2019 to the Barlow family’s Denizes Herd in Lancashire.
Norman Robson said: This is an excellent heifer, and a tremendous example of the Simmental breed. She oozes style, breed character, and has great conformation. The senior champion is hard to fault, and is an easy winner!”
Reserve senior champion, and winner of the senior bull class, was Lisglass Leo bred by Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare. Picture: David Porter
Runner-up in the senior championship line-up was the fourteen-month-old bull Lisglass Leo, bred by Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare. Sired by Islavale Frontier, he is the first calf bred from Lisglass Iona – a daughter of the herd’s stock bull Dermotstown Delboy – 2014 and 2015 breed champion at Balmoral Show.
“This is a fleshy young bull, well-muscled and very correct on his legs and feet,” commented the judge.
Junior champion, Ballymoney Martin bred by Noel and Mae Kilpatrick, Banbridge. Picture: David Porter
Claiming the day’s junior championship title was the ten-month-old bull Ballymoney Martin, bred in Noel and Mae Kilpatrick’s 16-cow herd at Banbridge. A son of the herd’s stock bull and AI sire Saltire Impressive, he is the fourth calf bred from the Sterling Dubai daughter Sterling Wenona’s Gold – purchased as an in-calf heifer at the Sterling dispersal sale in 2017.
Norman Robson added: ”The junior champion is a well-fleshed and muscly young bull, very correct and well-grown for his age“.
Reserve junior champion, Rehall Moneypenny bred by William and Keith Stubbs, Irvinestown. Pictured are Keith Stubbs, with nephews Jason and Alastair Little. Picture: David Porter.
The reserve junior championship was secured by the January-born polled heifer Rehall Moneypenny, bred by William and Keith Stubbs, Irvinestown. A Curaheen Gunshot daughter, she is the third calf bred from the Keeldrum Clio daughter Rehall Holly.
“This is another stylish heifer, well-balanced, very feminine, with nice breed characteristics. She walks well on good legs and feet,” concluded Norman Robson.
Alan and Lee Wilson, Rathfriland, exhibited the first placed pair of Simmentals, Ballinalare Farm Medusa and Ballinalare Farm Modesty. Picture: David Porter
First prize in the class for the best pair of calves went to the Wilson family’s Ballinalare Farm Herd based at Rathfriland. Their winning duo were the April born Camus Brandy daughter Ballinalare Farm Modesty, and the May born Ballinlare Farm Medusa by Ballinalare Farm Galaxy.
The NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the Four-Breed Calf Show, especially its sponsors, SFS Plastics, Bimeda, Agrimin and the British Simmental Cattle Society. Thanks also to judge Norman Robson, and the Wylie family for the use of the excellent facilities at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart.
Results from the judging ring
Jason Little exhibited Rehall Mellissa, the first prize junior heifer bred by William and Keith Stubbs, Irvinestown. Picture: David Porter
Young Handler – 1, Thomas Mcalister; 2, Jason Little; 3, Erin Nelson.
Senior bull, born between 1/9/20 and 31/12/20 – 1, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Leo by Islavale Frontier; 2, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Linton by Islavale Frontier; 3, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm London by Islavale Donald.
Senior heifer, born between 1/9/20 and 31/12/20 – 1, Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez by Saltire Impressive; 2, Gareth Wilson, Raceview Mina Gretta by Kilbride Farm Delboy; 3, William and George Nelson, Drumacritten Lucy by Kilbride Farm Dragoon; David and Jonny Hazelton, Ranfurly Stella by Whitemire King Kong.
Junior bull, born on or after 1/1/21 – 1, Noel and Mae Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Martin by Saltire Impressive; 2, William Dodd, Craigy Max by Longbeach Darius; 3, William and Keith Stubbs, Rehall Moneymaker by Curaheen Gunshot; 4, Matthew Cunning, Pointfarms Mattie by Woodhall Invincible.
Junior heifer, born on or after 1/1/21 – 1, William and Keith Stubbs, Rehall Moneypenny by Curaheen Gunshot; 2, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Marigold by Omorga Jaguar; 3, Chelsea Best, Clonguish Nova by Raceview King; 4, Andrew Clarke, Breaghey Veda M404 by Woodhall Ferrari.
Junior bull, born on or after 1/4/21 – 1, Christopher Quinn, Dunrock Mighty by Curaheen Bandit; 2, Ryan Gilmour, Gillview Major by Atlow Dixon.
Junior heifer, born on or after 1/4/21 – 1, William and Keith Stubbs, Rehall Mellissa by Derrough Samual; 2, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Medusa by Ballinalare Farm Galaxy; 3, Keith and Andrea Nelson, Scibby Farms Molly by Atlow Dixon; 4, Keith and Andrea Nelson, Scribby Farms Matilda by Dermotstown Delboy.
Pair, property of exhibitor – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Medusa and Ballinalare Farm Modesty; 2, William and Keith Stubbs, Rehall Moneypenny and Rehall Mellissa; 3, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm London and Bridgewater Farm Linton.
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.
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