• 5000gns Tidkin Cow and Calf leads Tidkin & Jet Dispersal Sale • 15 Tidkin cows and calves average £3353 • 28 Simmental lots in all gross £94,920 • 4 Bulls average £5565
Bulls from the Chestermann herd of N&N Gwynne, Castlewigg Farm, Whithorn, Newton Stewart, sold to 6200gns, and 6000gns to lead a ready demand for Simmental bulls and females at the Society’s May Sale at Carlisle. Sitting alongside the Society’s Sale was the Dispersal Sale of the Tidkin & Jet Simmental herds of Gerald & Jessica Towers, Turners Arms Farm, Yearby, Redcar, Cleveland and which saw a top price of 5000gns paid for a cow and calf, and with fifteen cow and calf outfits averaging a healthy £3353.
6200gns Chestermann Leonardo
Leading the way in the bulls was the September 2020 born Chesterman Leonardo. Entirely homebred, this bull is by Chesterman Gibble 15 EX93, a daughter of the herd’s noted Hirwaun Non, and is out of Chestermann Empire Sage EX90, a Sterling Empire daughter. Earlier in the day Chestermann Leonardo had won the class of Simmental bulls and Overall Championship in front of the judge and commercial producer Mr Ian Wainwright, Todhall Farm, Cupar, Fife. Commenting on his Champion Mr Wainwright said: “This is a very good commercial bull. He’s a well grown, growthy, easy fleshing bull with plenty of length and good on his legs.”
Purchasing the top price was IHG Warden, Skelfhill Farm, Hawick, Roxburghshire who will be putting the bull to work on 30 Luing cows to breed the increasingly popular SimLuing.
6000gns Chestermann Lexus
With a nifty sale one-two, the Gwynnes also sold the day’s Reserve Champion, Chestermann Lexus 20 for 6000gns to Aucheneck Estates, Killearn, Stirlingshire. Also September 2020 born, Lexus 20 is another by Chestermann Gibble EX93 and this time out of Chestermann Empire Tracey 2 VG86. The 50 breeding female Chestermann herd are regular consignors at Carlisle Simmental Sales and have secured numerous Championships at this corresponding fixture over the years with their first being back in 2006 with Chestermann Siegfried.
Some quality pedigree Simmental females from the Tidkin and Jet Herds met with a strong demand from a busy ringside and sold to a top of 5000gns for the 2017 born Tidkin Natalie’s Illusion, who was sold with her third calf at foot, the Clonagh Lexus P sired heifer calf, Tidkin Natalie. Tidkin Natalie’s Illusion is by Auroch Ace and out of Hockenhull Natalie 39th. After a visit to view the night before, the top lot was purchased by Bruce Lambie for his Fallhills pedigree herd at Fallhills Farm, Howgate, Penicuik, Midlothian.
Fifteen Tidkin cows and calves averaged £3353, with further units making 4200gns, 4000gns, and 3600gns respectively with 10 lots in all in the Dispersal making 3000gns and more.
Selling at 4200gns was the March 2019 born Tidkin Katherine who was sold with her first calf at foot, the Clonagh Joker Poker sired Tidkin Molly. Tidkin Katherine is by Clonagh Eclipse Truly and is out of Tidkin Beyonce. Purchasing this unit, and with Tidkin Katherine PD’d in calf to Clonagh Lexus (P), was DF & MG Littlefair for their Crabshires herd at West Farm, Staindrop, Darlington. The April 2018 born Tidkin Jade made 4000gns when selling with her Clonagh Joker Poker bull calf at foot Tidkin Mascot 21. This second calver, PD’d in-calf to Clonagh Lexus (P), is by Clonagh Eclipse Truly, and is out of Tidkin Whisper. Buying this outfit was JA&E Dinwoodie, Aucherbeck Farm, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire.
The Tidkin and Jet herds had a heavy influence of stock bulls used in the herd from the Clonagh herd of Garret Behan, Republic of Ireland. One of these stock bulls, the 2019 born polled bull Clonagh Lexus (P), made 4000gns when selling to the pedigree Eifed herd of Mr DW Jones, Llangoedmor, Cardigan, Wales.
Champion & Reserve from the Chestermann herd
AVERAGES: BSCS MAY SALE 4 Bulls £5565 3 Heifers £1820
TIDKIN & JET DISPERSAL SALE 1 Stock Bull £4200 15 Cows/Hfrs with Calves at Foot £3353 5 Heifers Served/In-calf £2541
A very stylish and powerful heifer was how judge David Lowry described the supreme Simmental champion at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s 153rd annual show, held at Balmoral Park.
Mr Lowry who runs the 65-cow Keeldrum Herd based at Lanark in Scotland, returned to home soil to judge the Simmental entry at the four-day show. Originally from County Down, the former auctioneer has been living in Scotland for 22 years.
He was a regular exhibitor at Balmoral’s King’s Hall site, and won the male championship in 1996 with stock bull Carrigeen Farm Dandy, winner of the NI Simmental Male of the Year title in 1996 and 1997.
“There was a small turnout of Simmentals at Balmoral, but the quality was excellent. The females were exceptionally good, and on the day dominated the bulls,” explained David Lowry, who judged the Balmoral sheep interbreed pair and group championships in 2015.
Catching David Lowry’s eye to secure the female and supreme overall championship plaudits was the September 2020 heifer Ashland Topaz Lopez bred by Pat Kelly, and son Frank, from Tempo, County Fermanagh. Sired by the 14,000gns Saltire Impressive, she is bred from the Ashland Brandy daughter, Ashland Topaz 2nd – one of ten cows in the herd.
Female and supreme overall Simmental champion at Balmoral Show was Ashland Topaz Lopez bred by Pat and Frank Kelly, Tempo.
This much-admired heifer won the Simmental senior championship at the inaugural Four Breeds Calf Show, held at Dungannon last November. This was the Ashland herd’s second supreme Balmoral title, having won the award in 2007 with the home-bred Ashland Lady Diamond 3rd.
David Lowry commented: “The champion is a very stylish and powerful heifer, with tremendous length. She oozes style and ring presence, is full of breed character, and displays great locomotion. A worthy winner!”
Runner-up was the reserve female champion Ranfurly Stella 12th from David and Jonny Hazelton’s 20-cow herd in Dungannon. Born in October 2020 she is by Whitemire King Kong, and bred from the Hillcrest Champion daughter Raceview Fancy Winty – purchased at Roscommon in 2016 for 4,600 Euros.
This heifer is a maternal sister to the 9,000gns Ranfurly Jackpot, sold at Stirling in February 2020.
“The reserve champion is another classy and stylish heifer, with great length and good locomotion,” added the judge.
The reserve female and reserve supreme Simmental champion at 153rd Balmoral Show was Ranfurly Stella 12th bred by David and Jonny Hazelton, Dungannon.
Brothers Shane and Paul McDonald from Tempo won the junior championship award with the January 2021 Ashland Topaz Mair. Purchased privately from Pat and Frank Kelly last autumn, this heifer was sired by Saltire Impressive, and bred from the Whitemire King Kong daughter Ashland Topaz 3rd – a maternal sister to the dam of the supreme champion.
“The junior champion is a powerful junior heifer, with great width and tremendous fleshing ability,” commented David Lowry.
Junior champion was Ashland Topaz Mair exhibited by brothers Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo.
Claiming the male and reserve junior championship honours was the March 2021 bull Craigy Max bred by William, Jane, Jamie and Lewis Dodd from Saintfield. Sired by Longbeach Darius, his dam Ranfurly Kleeb 35th was purchased at the Ranfurly herd’s second production sale in 2016, and is one of 12 pedigree cows in the Craigy Herd.
David Lowry added: “This junior bull is a fine example of the breed, and has a level topline, great width throughout, and good locomotion.”
Male champion and reserve junior champion was Craigy Max bred by William and Jane Dodd from Saintfield.
The reserve male championship went to Ballinalare Farm Mack, an eleven-month-old bull bred by Joe and Alan Wilson, Rathfriland. He was sired by the herd’s 8,200 Euros stock bull Rabawn Ernie, champion at the Irish society’s 2014 sale in Tullamore. His dam Ballinalare Farm Helena 2nd , is an Auchorachan Wizard daughter out of Glenturk Tulip, a heifer won by Joe Wilson in a charity raffle.
Joe and Alan Wilson’s Ballinalare Farm Mack was the reserve male champion at Balmoral Show.
Joe and Alan Wilson also won the award for the best pair of Simmentals. The winning duo were Ballinalare Farm Ladybird and Ballinalare Farm Lizabel, described by the judge as well balanced and matching heifers. They are both daughters of the 10,000gns herd sire Denizes Fantastic – reserve junior champion at Stirling in February 2016.
The award for the best pair of Simmentals went to Ballinalare Farm Lizabel and Ballinalare Farm Ladybird exhibited by Neil and Alan Wilson, Rathfriland. Included is judge David Lowry, Lanark.Supreme champion at Balmoral Show was Ashland Topaz Lopez exhibited by Frank Kelly, Tempo; while the reserve champion was Ranfurly Stella 12th exhibited by Jonny Hazelton, Dungannon. Included is judge David Lowry, Lanark.
Results from the judging ring….
Specials
The Bobbie Dickson Perpetual Championship Trophy for the champion: P Kelly. Reserve: WD and JD Hazelton.
British Simmental Cattle Society Engraved Crystal Glasses for the champion: P Kelly.
Imex Perpetual Cow Bell for the female champion: P Kelly. Reserve: WD and JD Hazelton.
Bangor and Six Road Ends Farmers’ Union Perpetual Trophy for the female champion: P Kelly.
Bobbie Gamble Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the best heifer: P Kelly.
NI Simmental Club Trophy for the exhibitor-bred male champion: William and Jane Dodd. Reserve: J and A Wilson.
William Black Memorial Perpetual Cup for the male champion: William and Jane Dodd.
News Letter Shield for the junior champion: S and P McDonald. Reserve: William and Jane Dodd.
Silver Award for the best exhibit bred in Northern Ireland: P Kelly.
Classes
Cow or heifer, born in 2019 – 1, William Gubbins, Prablin Lucy by Dermotstown Delboy.
Heifer, born between 01/01/20 and 30/06/20 – 1, J and A Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Lizabel by Denizes Fantastic; 2, J and A Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Ladybird by Denizes Delboy.
Heifer, born between 01/07/20 and 31/12/20 – 1, Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez by Saltire Impressive; 2, WD and JD Hazelton, Ranfurly Stella 12th by Whitemire King Kong; 3, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Lollipop by Dermotstown Delboy.
Heifer, born on or after 01/01/21 – 1, S and P McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair by Saltire Impressive; 2, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Marigold by Omorga Jaguar; 3, J and A Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Modesty by Camus Brandy.
Bull, born on or after 01/01/21 – 1, William and Jane Dodd, Craigy Max by Longbeach Darius; 2, J and A Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Mack by Rabawn Ernie.
Pair, property of exhibitor – 1, J and A Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Lizabel and Ballinalare Farm Ladybird; 2, JL and CJ Weatherup, Lisglass Marigold and Lisglass Lollipop; 3, J and A Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Modesty and Ballinalare Farm Medusa.
Grangewood Lucas from Mr & Mrs AS&YA Leedham, Rowan Farm, Lockton, Pickering, North Yorks sold for 5500gns to lead the British Simmental Cattle Society’s May Sale at McCartneys Worcester Livestock Market on Saturday May 7th.
Fully homebred, this November 2020 born bull is by Grangewood Glenlivet and is out of Grangewood Faith’s Imelda, a Grangewood Damascus daughter. Earlier in the day, Grangewood Lucas had stood first in his class in the pre-sale show judged by Anthony Davies of the Welston herd, Milton, Tenby Pembrokeshire. Purchasing the top price bull, who was +7.8 for Calving Ease Direct putting him in the top 1% for the breed, and +8 for Maternal (Milk), was Richard Bell for the 300-cow Bowley Herd of CM Mercer, Bowley Court Farms, Hope-Under-Dinmore, Leominster, Herefordshire, and who run up to 12 Simmental bulls.
Strong supporters of the Worcester Simmental Sale, this is the third Worcester Sale in a row that the Leedham’s have topped the fixture and following on from the 7000gns Grangewood Keegan in 2021,who was also sired by Grangewood Glenlivet. Following hard on the heels of their top price was Grangewood Mastermind 21 who made 5000gns when selling to JW Fenten, Biggin Moor, Buxton.
Grangewood Mastermind 5,000gns
This third prize bull, January 2021 born, is by the 8500gns Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17, and is out of Grangewood Polly 4th, a Popes Laird daughter. A good sale at Worcester for the Leedhams followed on from the Stirling Simmental Sale in the previous week that saw them sell Grangewood Liberator for 7500gns.
The Worcester Simmental Sale fixture saw a solid demand for bulls with 17 out of the 21 forward selling to average £3996. Seven bulls sold at 4000gns or more and including three at the 5000gns mark.
Wroxall Lost Property 5,000gns
Also selling at the 5000gns mark was the September 2020 born Wroxall Lost Property 20 from long standing Warwickshire based Simmental breeders CH Evans & Son, Abbey Farm, Wroxall, Warwick. With polled genetics on either side of the pedigree, this calf is by Coose Gambler (P), and is out of Wroxall Hannah Patience, a Losning Iver (P) daughter. Purchasing this bull was WS Turner & Sons, Stone Acton Farm, Wall Under Haywood, Shropshire.
Beanhill Leon 5,000gns
The third bull at the 5000gns mark was Beanhill Leon 20 from Mr & Mrs J&BE Kimber, Beanhill Farm, Chippenham, Wiltshire. A heifers calf, the October 2020 born Beanhill Leon is by the prolific AI sire Ballinalare Farm Galaxy, and is out of the Tilbrook Earl sired Beanhill Inca VG 86. With solid performance figures behind him, Beanhill Leon arrived at Worcester with a show record as well having been the Simmental Senior Champion at the 2021 Borderway Agri Expo, and Welsh Winter Fairs respectively. With a combination of pedigree and performance, this bull was snapped up by the Dewisland pedigree herd of Mr & Mrs Mark Evans, Upper Harglodd, St Davids, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Later in the sale, Beanhill Landmark 20, another Ballinalare Farm Galaxy son, sold for 3000gns to M&B Farms, Mulhampton Farm, Upton Bishop, Herefordshire.
Storersmith Lister 4,800gns
Selling at 4800gns was Storersmith Lister 20 from R&L Storer Smith, Spath House, Ashbourne Road, Uttoxeter. A heifers calf, and September 2020 born, this bull is by Curaheen Bandit and out of the Kilbride Farm Comber 11 daughter Storersmith Jumper. Purchasing Storersmith Lister was AW Francis who runs the Furzedown pedigree herd at Furzedown Farm, Okehampton, Devon. The very next lot Storersmith Lex Luther 20, another Curaheen Bandit son, made 3500gns in selling to DN Eynon, Gwern-Genny, Wormbridge, Hereford.
Popes Marksman 4,200gns
A first-time vendor at this Worcester Simmental Sale fixture was M/S JH & VG Wood who run the 130-cow Popes herd at Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire. In a successful show and sale debut, entries from the herd took both Champion and Reserve in the pre-sale show of bulls. Lifting the Championship and selling at 4200gns was the young February 2021 born Popes Marksman 21, a Denizes Impressive 17 son and out of the first time calver Popes Nellys Harmony. Commenting on his Champion the judge Anthony Davies said: “This is just my type of young bull who is very modern, carries a lot of style and with plenty of breed character. He’s well put together and is a bull with a lot of potential.” Purchasing the day’s Champion, who carried an impressive Maternal (Milk) figure of +11, was Chase Farms (Gilmorton Ltd), The Chase, Gilmorton. Following through from the same class to take the Overall Reserve was Popes Maddox 21, who is also February 2021 born. This calf another by Denizes Impressive 17 and out of Popes Diamonds Hesta, was bought by RB Gough, The Gippols, Harley, Shropshire. The third bull from the Popes team, Popes Mowgli, a Camus Harold son, also sold for 3800gns when going to Scotland after being purchased by Gavin Dunbar, Firm of Hole O’ Clean Farm, Ardgaith Farmhouse, Perth.
The final bull at the 4000gns mark was Killiworgie Lieutenant 20 from Cornish breeder Mr SA Gummow, Higher Killiworgie Farm, Newquay. This November 2020 born calf, who featured strong calving figures, is by Islavale Jerico 18 EX 93, and is out of the Dinton Nautical daughter Killiworgie Eliza EX 90, a classified Golden Cow. This bull was another to join the Bowley Herd of CM Mercer, Bowley Court Farms, Hope-Under-Dinmore, Leominster, Herefordshire.
In the sale of females in the Society section, the top price was the 2500gns paid for the polled heifer Cade Khloe (P) from PA&SM Cade, Paddock Farm, Buckden, East Anglia. This first calving heifer is by the Heathbrow Impulse 17 (P) a half brother to the noted show winning bull Heathbrow Important, and is out of one of the herd’s foundation cows Thursford Debs 10th EX 90. This heifer was purchased by GD Swerling & Sons, Upper Bottom House Farm, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks.
Crouchvalley Mavis 2,150gns
Lifting the Overall Female Championship in the pre-sale show was young Daisy Jones, Blencathra, Battlesbridge, Wickford, Essex with her stylish January 2021 born heifer Crouchvalley Mavis. This heifer is by the AI sire Sterling Herkules and is the first calf out of Brideland Kara. Making 2150gns, Crouchvalley Mavis was another purchased by the aforementioned GD Swerling & Sons. For Daisy Jones and her five breeding female Crouchvalley herd, it was a Championship win in her first time showing and selling at a Society sale.
Fole Vivian 89 3,200gns
The Worcester Simmental Sale also saw the Dispersal Sale of the Fole herd of Joe & Rachel Ede, Stoneleys, Checkley, Stoke on Trent after over 30 years of breeding. The high health herd offered cattle with a depth of pedigree and performance behind them and met with a solid demand. Leading the way at 3200gns, and the top priced female across the sale, was the noted polled in-calf heifer Fole Vivian 89. Sired by the homozygous polled Lopemede Hawaii 16 (PP), and out of Fole Vivian 82, this quality heifer was bought by L Renshaw & I Brassington for their Dovefields pedigree herd at Church Broughton, Derbyshire. Also at 3200gns and from the same family was Fole Vivian 88 (P). Another by Lopemede Hawaii 16 (PP), and out of Fole Vivian 81, this in-calf heifer was snapped up by Daniel Warrington for his Follane herd at Godley Farm, Fole Lane, Uttoxeter.
Fole Vivian 82 2,900gns
Selling at 2900gns was Fole Vivian 82, the dam of the top price Fole animal, and who was sold with her fourth calf at foot, the January 2022 born bull calf Fole Navigator 22, a Blackford Falcon son. Another to go to a pedigree herd this strong outfit was bought by Barry Harding for his Hallway herd at Cornerfields Farm, Denham, Uxbridge, Bucks.
At 2800gns was the polled Fole Nutwood Victoria 53 (P). January 2019 born and another by Lopemede Hawaii 16 (PP), this second calver had calved again on 15th April and was sold with her twin Blackford Falcon bull calves at foot to the Tarsmill herd of GR Greenow, Cilunow, Dinedor, Hereford.
There was a steady trade for pedigree and commercial cattle at the Northern Ireland Simmental Club’s evening show and sale, held at Swatragh Livestock Market.
Prices peaked at 3,700gns, with auctioneer Stephen Redmond confirming that 10 bulls changed hands to level at £2,768 per head (83%), while four pedigree females topped at 2,600gns and averaged £2,086 each.
Dunrock Mighty
Claiming the sale’s top price of 3,700gns was new breeder Chris Quinn from Cookstown who exhibited the thirteen-month-old Dunrock Mighty. This first prize winner was sired by Curaheen Bandit, and bred from one of the herd’s foundation females, Ranfurly Weikel 27th J16 – purchased for 5,500gns as an in-calf heifer at the Ranfurly herd’s third production sale in 2020. This much-admired red bull was a first prize winner at the inaugural Four-Breeds Calf Show, held at Dungannon last November. Boasting Breedplan figures in the top 5% for eye muscle area +5.6, milk +14 and terminal production index +100, he sold to R McGilligan from Drumsurn, Limavady.
Male Champion Corrick Laser
Second highest bid of the evening 3,300gns was paid to Cecil McIlwaine, and sons Scott and Neil, from Newtownstewart, for the November 2020 Corrick Laser. This bull caught the eye of judge Ryan Gilmour, Dungannon, to secure the male championship. Sired by Seafort Gill, he is the first calf bred from the home-bred Woodhall Ferrari daughter Corrick Iris. Ranked in the breed’s top 10% for terminal production index +100, he was snapped up by Crockataggart Farms based at Draperstown. Established over 40 years ago, the 18-cow Corrick Herd has sold four Seafort Gill sons this spring at Stirling, Dungannon and Swatragh to average £4,804 per head.
“There was a good show of quality stock at Swatragh. The male champion is a tremendous bull with power, width, length and a good top,” explained Ryan Gilmore, whose Gillview Herd comprises of eight breeding females.
Also making his Simmental show and sale debut was first-time exhibitor Joseph Muldoon from Aughnacloy. He brought out the second placed Belragh Major ET who sold for 2,860gns to George Hamilton, Randalstown.
This fourteen-month-old bull was sired by Kilbride Farm Dragoon, and bred from Raceview Kalyto Ginger – purchased for 3,300 Euros at the Raceview Herd’s draft sale at Roscommon in 2019. Belragh Major is in the breed’s top 10% for eye muscle area +5.0 and milk +10.
Joseph Muldoon’s Belragh prefix comprises of three breeding females, managed alongside a small pedigree Texel flock, 30 commercial suckler cows, and 150 cross-bred ewes.
Following close behind at 2,800gns was the October 2020 Edenbann Lorenzo TPI+70 SRI+79 bred by Garvagh vet Nevin Smyth. This first prize winner is a son of the herd’s jointly owned stock bull Rabawn Flame, and is out of a home-bred Curaheen Apostle dam. Buyer was Ronnie Killen from Newbuildings.
Two lots sold for 2,500gns each. First to sell was the third prize winning Bridgewater Farm Linton bred by Nigel Glasgow, Cookstown. Born in November 2020, he is by Islavale Frontier, and out of a home-bred dam by the twice Balmoral Show breed champion Dermotstown Delboy. This bull is in the breed’s top 5% for milk +11 and eye muscle area +5.5, and top 15% for self-replacing index +105. Highest bidder was David Thompson from Killaloo, Londonderry.
Reserve Male Champion Hiltonstown Marquez
Selling for 2,500gns to Martin Smyth, Castlerock, was the reserve male champion Hiltonstown Marquez bred by Richard Rodgers, and son Rhys, from Portglenone. Another by Islavale Frontier, this thirteen-month-old bull is bred from Hiltonstown Grace VG88 – one of 35 cows in the herd. He is in the top 10% for calving ease +4.0, and his maternal half-brother was exported to Germany earlier this year.
Judge Ryan Gilmour added: “The reserve male champion is another good well-balanced bull.”
Females reached a ceiling of 2,600gns, paid to sale sponsor Eamon McCloskey, Kilrea, for the female and supreme overall champion Drumagarner Lacy. Born in 2020, she was sired by Lissadel King VIP, and is out of a home-bred dam by the 12,000gns Kilbride Farm Bantry.
Described by the judge as lovely, sweet heifer with great style and show presence, she sold to pedigree breeder David Cameron, Portstewart, for his Ballee Herd.
Eamon McCloskey’s second placed Drumagarner Lorraine sold for 2,000gns to Ronnie Killen. Born in June 2020 she is by herd sire Rabawn Flame, and out of a home-bred dam. This heifer is in-calf to Curaheen Dickens.
The commercial section of the sale attracted an entry of in-calf and maiden heifers. In-calf heifers peaked at £1,320 and £1,260, paid to Carson Smylie, Nutt’s Corner, for cross-bred Simmental heifers, due in June to a Simmental bull. Maiden heifers sold to a top of £1,280, paid to Kenneth and Andrew Clarke, Tynan; while Keith Nelson, Rosslea, realised £1,160 for a cross-bred maiden heifer.
• Stirling Simmental May Average of £5632, up by £287
• 25 bulls sell, up by 4 on the year, with an 81% clearance
• 13 bulls make 5000gns and over
Islavale Luxor, 8,800gns
The strong commercial demand for pedigree Simmental bulls continued at the Stirling Simmental Sale on Monday 2nd May at United Auctions Stirling Agricultural Centre with a record average for the May fixture of £5632, up by £287, for the 25 bulls sold. The new mark eclipsed last year’s figure which was also a Simmental record average for the May Sale.
Topping the sale at 8800gns was the September 2020 born Islavale Luxor from WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. This bull, a heifer’s calf by Curaheen Bandit, and out of Islavale Candy 4 VG 86, was purchased by Messrs Farquharson & Son, Deuchar Farm, Forfar, Angus for use in their 50-cow commercial herd. Commenting Clark Farquharson said: “In visiting the Islavale herd the quality of the females and the breeding behind this bull was very impressive. We like the Simmentals for their milkiness and quiet temperament and in purchasing this bull we very much hope it’s an investment in taking the females in our herd to that next level.” For the prolific Islavale herd it was another great day’s trading with further Islavale bulls selling for 8500gns, 7800gns x 2, and 6000gns to an average of £8139 for the five sold.
Islavale Luthor 20, 8,500 gns
Following at 8500gns was Islavale Luther 20 who had stood second in his class to the day’s pre-sale Supreme Champion judged by Jonathan Gunn of the noted Mavsey herd at Lybster, Caithness. The September born Islavale Luther, a twin to a male, is by the AI sire Dermotstown Delboy and is out Islavale Hope, a Wolfstar Elusive daughter. With both sire and dam classified to EX92 and EX91 respectively, Luther is from a maternal breeding line and with a Maternal (Milk) figure of +8. Purchasing this bull was Delfur Farms, who run the Delfur pedigree herd at Rothes, Aberlour. Speaking after the sale, Gary Patterson, the Farm Manager at Delfur Farms said: “Islavale Luther was just an eye-catching bull, very correct, and with good width. He has a depth of good breeding behind him, and I think has all the potential to be a quality female breeder.” Delfur Farms presently has 140 head of cows and the majority of which are pedigree. The aim from here is to introduce Islavale Luther as the junior stock sire and with him being put to a ‘good number’ of the pure cows.
The Stirling Simmental trade continued the run of breed sales that has seen a commercial and pedigree demand produce both increased averages and clearance rates. Commenting after the sale, Iain Kerr, the Society’s General Manager said: “With an increasing industry cost base, commercial producers are looking for all-round efficiency. The benchmark of the Simmental breed is milky fertile, easy calving females. Add that to fast growing Simmental sired progeny and being the leading beef breed for age at slaughter, Simmentals are ticking a lot of boxes for the forward beef industry.” As well as the increased breed average, the sale saw 25 of the 31 bulls forward sell to give an 81% clearance rate, and with 13 bulls in all making 5000gns and over.
Islavale Lionel, 7,800gns
Three bulls made 7800gns. The first of these was another from the Stronach team in the shape of the heifer’s calf Islavale Lionel 20. September 2020 born, Islavale Lionel is by Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94, and is out of Islavale Bramble 6 GP 82, a twin to a female. Purchasing Islavale Lionel was Charles Barclay, Craigscorrie, Beauly, Inverness-shire. A further bull at the 7800gns mark was Islavale Lazarus who stood second in his class to the Reserve Overall Champion. November 2020 born this calf is by the herd’s prolific sire Atlow Dixon 12 EX 91, who has previously had bulls at up to 15,000gns. From a milky female line, Islavale Lazarus 20 is out of Islavale Girlie 5, and was snapped up by J Melville & Son, Ardwell Farm, Girvan, Ayrshire.
Overhill House Marley 21, 7,800gns
Late in the sale was the January 2021 born calf Overhill House Marley 21 from Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian. A second prize winner in the day’s last class, this bull also hit the 7800gns price when selling to regular Simmental buyer Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Stromness, Orkney. With a Maternal (Milk) figure of +7, Overhill House Marley is by Islavale Heston and is out of Overhill House Imogen, a Mohona Fletcher daughter. The previous lot in the ring, Overhill House Mick 21, another Islavale Heston son, made 5500gns when selling to T Brown, Scrainswood Farm, Alnham, Alnwith.
Grangewood Liberator 7,500gns
Selling at 7500gns was Grangewood Liberator from Mr & Mrs AS&YA Leedham, Pickering, North Yorkshire. A bull with tremendous width, the November 2020 born Liberator is by Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17 and is out of the Omorga Volvo daughter Grangewood Tollie’s Hope. Grangewood Tollie’s Hope is a full sister to the 19,000gns Grangewood Baron, and is also the dam of the 7000gns Grangewood Keegan the top price and Overall Champion at Worcester in 2021. Selling back to England, Grangewood Liberator was bought by GW Woolhouse & Sons Ltd, Church Farm, Ravensfield, Rotherham.
Corskie Locke 20, 6800gns
A good team of bulls from Mr WJ&J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers met with some solid prices and topping at 6800gns for Corskie Locke 20. Featuring both depth of pedigree and performance, this September 2020 born bull is by Kilbride Farm Haka and is out of Corskie Hannette whose breeding includes both Greencap Ace and Bel Dhu Capercaillie. With strong growth figures and a Maternal (Milk) figure of +12, this bull was sold to the Borders and G Wealleans & Son, Greenlaw, Duns, Berwickshire. Also from the Green team, Corskie Look Out 20 made 6500gns and sold to North Yorkshire and Andrew Blades, Home Farm, Appleton, Roebuck. A third Corskie bull, Corskie Lunn 20 made 5000gns on the day and went to Mountquhanie Farms, By Cupar, Fife.
Redhill Lachie 20, 6500gns
Selling pedigree Simmental bulls for the first time at Stirling was Ryan Smith, Towiemore, Keith and who made a first-class debut when realising 6500gns for Redhill Lachie 20. A dark red bull, the November 2020 Redhill Lachie was bought as a young calf at foot and one of several purchases from the Redhill herd of Danny Leslie. By Islavale Joker 18, and out of Redhill Jo-Jo, this calf was purchased by WW Dunlop & Son, Commonside, Hawick.
Islavale Lambourgini 20 6,000gns
At 6000gns was the first prize winner and Reserve Overall Champion, Islavale Lambourgini 20 from the Stronach team. October 2020 born, Islavale Lambourgini is by the consistent breeding Corskie Highlander 16 EX 92, who has bred calves up to 15,000gns, and is out of Islavale Amanda 2 EX 93. Strong on classification in the breeding, and from a milky female line, Islavale Lambourgini was bought by John Meikle, Kirkton of Lundie, Dundee.
Overall Male Champion, Newbiemains Leonidas 5,000gns
• Stock bull to £5000 • Cows & calves top at £3150 • In-calf heifers to £3050 • Yearling heifers to £2000
In front of a busy ringside, pedigree Simmentals sold to a solid trade and topped at £5000 at the reduction sale, held due to ill health, of the Blackpool herd of David Loftus, Mount Farm, Carr Lane, Singleton, Blackpool at Bentham Auction Mart, on Tuesday 3rd May.
Cows and calves topped at £3150, with in-calf heifers to £3050, and yearling heifers to £2000. However, leading the way at £5000 was the herd stock bull Denizes Juggernaut. Bred by MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, this rising four-year-old bull by Denizes Hamish 16 and out of Raceview Dawn Matilda, a Hillcrest Champion daughter, is a maternal half brother to the 30,000gns Denizes Lancelot. With tremendous figures, Denizes Juggernaut is in the breed’s top 1% for both Calving Ease Direct, and Calving Ease Daughters, and is +7 for Maternal (Milk).The combination of pedigree and performance saw the bull being purchased by local breeders JH & VG Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston for their noted Popes pedigree herd.
The stated aim of the Blackpool herd has been to breed bulls and females with size, power, good mobility and temperament, and the sale very much provided the opportunity to acquire proven pedigree Simmental cattle with good breeding behind them. Leading the cows and calves at £3150 was Blackpool Hayley VG 85 with her Denizes Juggernaut sired heifer calf Blackpool Martha at foot. 2016 born, Blackpool Hayley is by Islavale Elder 13 and is out of Balckpool Vogue, a Blackford Nobleman daughter. Securing this top lot, and one of several purchases on the day, was E&M Fairhurst & Son, for the fast establish Fairhurst pedigree herd at Langcliffe Mill, Langcliffe, North Yorkshire.
Selling at £3000 was the 2019 born Blackpool Kelsi with her calf at foot, Blackpool Nicky. Blackpool Kelsi is sired by Woodhall Ferrari and is out of Blackpool Isla VG86. Sold with a Maternal (Milk) figure of +8, this outfit was bought by Barry Harding for his Hallway pedigree herd at Cornerfields Farm, Uxbridge, Bucks. In-calf heifers sold well throughout to average £2260 and to a top of £3000.
Yearling heifers topped at £2000 for the May 2021 born Blackpool May. Entirely homebred, this heifer is by Blackpool Jonathon 18, and is out of Blackpool Desi GP 84.
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