New Simmental Breed Record average of £7559 for 45 Bulls, and up by £1597 on the year
Two Bulls over 20,000gns, with 10 bulls over 10,000gns in all, and 29 at 5,000gns and above
Seven Islavale Bulls Average £13,500
Sale grosses £366,315
Springfield Heifer tops females at 6,000gns
Islavale Magnum 28,000gns
The March 2021 born Islavale Magnum from WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith, Banffshire sold for 28,000gns to fire the Simmental bull trade to a new breed record sale average of £7559, up by a remarkable £1597 on the year, at the breed’s October Sale held at United Auctions Stirling on Tuesday 19th October 2022.
With commercial producers competing fiercely with pedigree breeders for the quality bulls on offer, two bulls made over 20,000gns with ten in all over the 10,000gns mark and twenty-nine at 5,000gns and more. The total Simmental sale gross on the day came to £366,315.
A tremendous team of Islavale bulls broke new ground for this prolific Simmental herd with the 28,000gns topping their previous sale best of 24,000gns and seven bulls in all selling to an incredible average of £13,500. Five of the bulls broke the five-figure mark. The sale leader, Islavale Magnum, is by the noted AI sire Team Celtic and is the first calf at sale out of Islavale Harper who herself had stood as the Senior Champion as a yearling heifer at Stars of the Future in 2017. Combining a depth of pedigree with performance figures showing +14 for Maternal (milk), this classy dark red bull was purchased for the Delfur pedigree herd of Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour.
Commenting on behalf of Delfur Farms, which runs a 120-cow herd, new herd manager Garry Patterson said: “This is a big investment for the future, but we were looking for a bull that will put a serious stamp on the herd and help us to take that next step. I thought Magnum was a standout bull the minute I saw him, and with his breeding and performance figures he’s just the full package. We wanted a bull which will click with our females, breathe new life into the herd, and to take that next step. We very much think and hope that Magnum’s daughters will have the potential to do that and produce some first quality bulls at the same time.”
The 28,000gns top price surpassed the Islavale herd’s previous top sale mark of 24,000gns, and the average for the seven bulls sold smashed the previous best for a herd that has been consistently at the top end of Simmental sales over a number of years. Speaking after the sale, and commenting on the bulls they are breeding, Stewart Stronach said: “We breed the type of Simmental bulls that we like and what we think meet the needs of the market. Our aim is to breed correct, big square bulls, good on their plates with plenty of length, free flowing in their locomotion, and with character, style and presence. Our main aim is breeding first quality Simmental bulls for commercial producers and with sales to pedigree breeders a real bonus on top. We’re really delighted with this trade and hope and trust that the bulls sold go on to do well in their new herds.” In addition to the 28,000gns top price, further Islavale bulls sold on the day for 18,000gns; 13,000gns; 10,000gns x 2; 6,000gns; and 5,000gns.
Denizes Monty 20,000gns
Selling at 20,000gns was Denizes Monty from MA Barlow and Sons, Four Oaks, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. On the previous day this January 2021 born bull placed first in his class, before moving on to secure the Senior Championship and the Overall Supreme Championship in the pre-sale show and in front of the judge Chris Martindale who runs the noted Forsdale herd at Coedfa, Oswestry, Shropshire. Commenting on his Champion Mr Martindale said: “What a modern Simmental bull this is. He’s clean throughout, has a super top line, has width shoulder to shoulder, and a back end to die for. The breed is known for its maternal traits of milk, fertility, and calving ease. A bull like this will retain those advantages and by adding terminal traits just gives you something very modern that ticks all the boxes for breeders and commercial beef producers.”
The Supreme Champion went to Northern Ireland when being purchased by Mr HJW and JC Moore for their noted Omorga pedigree herd at Beragh, Omagh, Co Tyrone and who said: “I’ve seen this bull as a calf and through the summer and he’s just a very modern Simmental. I feel he’s the whole package with the breeding behind him, top figures, full of shape but with style and class. Monty brings new breeding to the herd, and I’m delighted to have bought him.”
For the Barlows the pre-sale show marked a first time Stirling Supreme Championship for their Denizes herd that has previously enjoyed a string of section wins and top prices at Stirling with their highest sale price to date being the 30,000gns Denizes Lancelot in February of this year. Denizes Monty is by the noted Denizes Hamish who had previously sired bulls up to 9,500gns (with his first twelve sons at Stirling averaging 7,500gns), and who is out of the herd’s highly noted Auroch Eve. Monty is out of Denizes Trixi-Belle 6th who herself is the mother of Denizes Impressive, the sire of the sale’s Reserve Supreme, Popes Matchmaker. Through the summer Denizes Monty had stood as Junior Male and Reserve Male at the Royal Highland Show, and he was sold with strong performance figures for calving ease, gestation length, and Maternal (milk).
Simmental judge Chris Martindale in action
Speaking after the sale, British Simmental Cattle Society General Manager Iain Kerr said: “It’s great to see a Simmental sale with an average of over £7,500gns, a new record mark, and continuing a series of strong sales and averages for the breed over this past year. There were breeders buying bulls today, but the trade was underpinned by commercial producers competing for the bulls of their choice and willing to pay five figure prices. The Simmental is a maternal mainstay of the UK suckler herd and the efficiency of females in milk, fertility and easy calving, combined with growthy, fast finishing progeny is just adding up for commercial producers. We would have liked to have seen more bulls sold but there was a strong demand for the quality lots of offer and we have to be mindful of the continued move to spring calving, and farmers taking time to consider at present in a very cost-conscious moment for the industry.” A further seven bulls were sold after the sale and up to 7000gns.
Islavale Mint 18,000gns
The Junior Champion came in the shape of Islavale Mint, who went on to sell for 18,000gns to Crudie Farming Company, Crudie Farm, Arbroath, who run the 45 cow Crudie pedigree herd alongside a predominantly Simmental commercial herd of 120 cows, and with 30 Blue Greys. The April 2021 born Islavale Mint is by the noted herd sire Corskie Highlander, who has previously had calves up to 15,000gns, and is out of Islavale Amber 5 VG 86, an Islavale Echo daughter. With an emphasis on ease of calving, milk, fertility and temperament, the Simmental is the go-to breed for Crudie both commercially and pedigree, and herd manager Kenny McKeague was delighted with their purchase: “Islavale Mint is a very typical Simmental bull with what we’re looking for to add to the herd. He has a tremendous top line, is very square, has a good leg in every corner, and with a lot of breed character in his head. He’ll go home for a period of isolation, and we’ll aim to put him to some cows come March time.”
Delfur Maverick 16,000gns
Immediately recouping a little of their outlay on the top price purchase was Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour when they made 16,000gns for Delfur Maverick the second prize bull in the third class of the day. March 2021 born, Delfur Maverick is sired by the 10,000gns Woodhall Instinct 17, a previous Stirling Junior Champion, and is out of the Auchorachan ACDC sired Delfur Denise, one of the top and easiest calving lines in the herd. Again with a depth of breeding, and strong figures including a +11 for Maternal (milk), this bull was purchased in a two way split between the Fallhills herd of Bruce Lambie, Fallhills Farm, Penicuik, and the Innerwick herd of Mr and Mrs L Moffatt, Innerwick Farm, Dunbar, East Lothian. Speaking after the sale Bruce Lambie said: “I am really delighted to buy a share of this bull and he was my number one pick of the sale. He ticked all the boxes for both Dorothy (Moffatt) and I being a long clean bull with great shape and with good legs and feet. This is the first time that I have purchased a bull with Dorothy. There’s a family connection and the same high health status in the herds, and Dorothy helped me get a start in the breed in 2013 when I purchased my first two heifers from her”.
Corskie Mikah 11,000gns
Another strong team of Simmental bulls came from the noted Corskie herd of Mr WJ and J Green, Corskie, Fochabers, Garmouth, who made 11,000gns; 10;000gns; 7500gns; 6500gns; and 5,500gns respectively to gross £42,525 and at a cracking average of £8,505. Leading the way was the 11,000gns Corskie Mikah who placed first in the second class of the day. Arriving at Stirling with a strong show record behind him, Corskie Mikah had placed Reserve Simmental Junior Male Champion and Reserve Interbreed Beef Breeder Champion at the Royal Highland Show in June and went onto be Junior Male Champion and Reserve Overall Junior Champion at the Scottish National Show, at the Black Isle. Sired by Kilbride Farm Haka and out of the Dirnanean Bradley daughter Corskie Elissa VG 88, this bull was purchased jointly by J Milne and Son, Oldwhat Mains, Turriff, and David Ross and Fiona Shand, who run the Fortmarine herd at New Deer, Turriff.
Coltfield Murry 11,000gns
Also selling at 11,000gns Coltfield Murry, from JC MacIver, Wester Coltfield, Forres, Moray. Bred out of Coltfield Izzie G 79, who goes back to Newbiemains Cocaine, he is sired by the 14,000gns Rockytop Invader. The May 2021 born Murry, successfully shown through the summer, was purchased for export by the well know Garret Behan who runs the 65-cow Clonagh Simmental herd in Portlaoise, Republic of Ireland. A long-time purchaser of British Simmental bulls, going back to his purchase of the 8,500gns Banwy T-Rex at Perth in November 2007, Mr Behan was delighted with his new acquisition, and commented: “We focus on bulls with feminine traits and showing and sales are a huge part to the herd’s success. Throughout the years and in particular the last ten the herd has, we think, achieved unrivalled success. In the past nine National Irish finals the herd has claimed the overall title at six of them including the champion and reserve in 2010”.
Corskie Monarch 10,000gns
Three bulls were sold for 10,000gns, and with the first being another from the Corskie team in the shape of Corskie Monarch, and who had stood second in his class to the aforementioned Corskie Mikah. Buying this bull was J Barclay and Son for their Whiteknowes herd at Ardiecow Farm, Fordyce, Banff. Also sired by the 10,000gns Kilbride Farm Haka, he is bred out of Corskie Highness VG 86, a daughter of the 45,000gns Bel Dhu Capercaillie, and one of the best and most consistent cow families within the herd. Commenting on his purchase, Mr Barclay said, “this is the first Corskie bull we have purchased, and we were looking to bring some new bloodlines into our stock. He looks a good strong bull, and I really liked his back pedigree. Monarch will be working alongside our other four Simmental bulls and over the 270 head suckler herd. Calving in the Spring and Autumn, we keep around 50 heifers for replacements to our mainly purebred Simmental suckler herd and sell the others finished to Morrisons”.
Islavale Mojo 10,000gnsIslavale Maximus 10,000gns
The two further bulls at the 10,000gns price, both came from Islavale team of the Stronach family. Islavale Mojo, a March-2021 born bull was the first through the ring and was snapped up by Pitgaveny Farms, Elgin, Morayshire, for their Pitgaveny herd. A previous purchaser of Islavale genetics, Mojo again caught their eye after he stood first in his class in the pre-sale show, and in front of Islavale Magnum the day’s top price bull. Islavale Mojo is by Curaheen Giant, who has bred Stirling champions in the past for Islavale, and is out of the Popes Laird daughter Islavale Britney Ex 94. Islavale Mojo carried a Maternal (milk) figure of +9. The Stronach’s other 10,000gns bull was the blue ticket winner and April 2021-born Islavale Maximus. This calf is a son of the popular Irish bred AI bull Dermotstown Delboy E92 and is out of Islavale Chloe Ex 91, a daughter of the 15,000gns Atlow Dixon Ex 91. With both muscle and milk, Islavale Maximus goes to work with the high-end commercial herd of A and J Craig, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, who are again repeat buyers from the Islavale herd.
Sway Monarch 8,500gns
All the way from Hampshire, and in what was the herd’s first time at Stirling was Mr and Mrs S and L Blomfield, Lymington, with their February 2021 born bull Sway Monarch 21 (PP). This bull brought something different to the sale with him being the only homozygous polled bull in the catalogue and, despite being full homebred, featuring some Czechoslovakian and Canadian bloodlines in his pedigree. By the homozygous polled Sway Kingsman 19 (PP), and out of Sway Babycham (P), the long trip reaped its reward when Sway Monarch made 8,500gns in selling to the Dargill pedigree herd of J C McLaren and Partners, Knox House, Crieff, Perthshire.
Popes Matchmaker 8,000gns
The first of two bulls through the ring at 8,000gns was the pre-sale show Reserve Supreme and Intermediate Champion Popes Matchmaker from the noted Popes herd of JH and VG Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Lancashire which comprises of 60 cows and followers with 80 to calf. Full of breeding, performance, and figures, Popes Matchmaker is by Denizes Impressive who is out of Denizes Trixi-Belle 6th, the mother of the 20,000gns Supreme Champion and the same breeding line as Popes Laird. Matchmaker’s dam is the noted Popes Whispers Della whose dam line goes back to Greenside Whisper. With a Maternal (milk) figure of +12, Matchmaker is another bull who has had great success in the show ring this season, being crowned Reserve Junior Interbreed Champion and the Simmental Male and Junior Champion at the Great Yorkshire show in July. Heading all the way to Cornwall, this bull was purchased by Steve and Gill Gummow, to work in their well-known Killiworgie Simmental herd in Newquay. Killiworgie Simmentals have bred five figure bulls at Stirling, are prolific herd competition winners in Cornwall and the South-West, and this year won the 2022 Simmental Virtual Show competition.
Team Magregor 8,000gns
Matching the 8,000gns price tag and snapped up by Snaigow Farming, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, was the April 2021-born Team MacGregor, a heterozygous polled bull by Lopemede Gregg and out of Team Melody, a daughter of the 10,000gns Auchorachan Winger. Team MacGregor, with strong figures for calving ease and a Maternal (milk) figure of +9, was bred and exhibited by Mr R J Macgregor, Perth, Perth and Kinross. A small but high-quality offering of Simmental females averaged £3,045 for the eight sold. Topping the lots at 6,000gns was the stylish Springfield Minstrel from Gavin Brown, Penicuik, Midlothian. A 15-month-old heifer out of Woodhall Cheeky and sired by Islavale Jabba, Springfield Minstrel was purchased by JH and VG Wood, Dutton, Lancashire for their noted Popes herd. Commenting, Vikki Wood said: “This is just a dark red heifer with a lot of class and the type of female that we feel we could breed from for progeny aimed at the Stirling market.” The Woods went on to purchase four heifers in all from Gavin Brown, with Springfield Melody and Springfield Meg, being knocked down for 4,800gns and 4,000gns respectively, and Springfield Magic at 2600gns. Melody, a July 2021 born lass, is by the same sire as her 6,000gns shed mate Minstrel, Islavale Jabba, but this time bred out of Springfield Imogen, who goes back to the Irish-born Shiloh Freedom. Springfield Meg, who has been running with Kilbride Farm Landmark, is sired by Team Celtic and is out of Springfield Ivory, who also goes back to Shiloh Freedom. In the pre-sale show of bulls the Springfield herd had one red ticket and went on to sell bulls at 5,500gns, 5000gns and 4,000gns.
Female Champion Popes Nellys Maya with Female Reserve Scotland Hill Mabel
AVERAGES: 45 Bulls £7559 (+£1579) 8 Females £3045
OTHER LEADING BULL PRICES: 7,500gns Lot 646 Corskie Meldrew, sold to M Cruickshank 7,000gns Lot 688 Backmuir Mustang, sold to J & R Stanger 7,000gns Lot 691 Backmuir Macallan, sold to I J Blackhall & Sons 7,000gns Lot 731 Strathisla Mandarin, sold to W J Hollingsworth 6,5000gns Lot 647 Overhill House Marshall, sold to McKenzie Craiglands Ltd 6,500gns Lot 668 Auchorachan Malcom, sold to C & V Fraser 6,500gns Lot 680 Broombrae Monty, sold to A D Sutherland 6,500gns Lot 682 Auchorachan Magic, sold to A P Whyte 6,500gns Lot 733 Corskie Megastar, sold to C H Evans & Sons 6,000gns Lot 694 Islavale Merlin , sold to J Walker & Sons 6,000gns Lot 706 Blackford Mustang, sold to P & M Grant
Islavlale Mojo, Islavale Matrix & Islavale Mint winning the Group of three bulls bred by exhibitor – Kilbride Farm Perpetual Crystal Bowl
The atmosphere is growing at Stirling, with the Simmental show taking place this afternoon, judged by Chris Martindale, of the Forsdale herd, St Martins, Shropshire.
The crowning glory went to the Supreme male and senior champion Denizes Monty 21 from MA Barlow & Sons, Leyland, Lancashire. No stranger to the showring, this January 2021-born bull was awarded the junior championship at the Highland show in June. His homebred sire is Denizes Hamish, and his Dam Denizes Trixie-Belle 6th, is a daughter of the 21,000gns Auchorachan Wizard.
The reserve supreme male, was another Lancashire bred bull, JH & VG Wood’s intermediate champion Popes Matchmaker. Bred out of Popes Whispers Della, who goes back to the 9,500gns Banwy Wonderboy, this 18-month old lad is sired the 10,000gns and Agri Expo junior male champion Denizes Impressive.
The January 2021-born Overhill House Marshall, stood reserve in the senior championship. A son of the 24,000gns Islavale Heston and the 6,200gns Newbiemains Izzie, he is bred and exhibited by Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian.
The intermediate section reserve bull was Islavale Matrix, an 18-month-old from WS Stronach, Keith, Banffshire, who is out of Curaheen Bandit sired Islavale Bramble 2 and by Corskie Highlander, who was purchased by Mr Stronach in 2017 and has gone on to breed 170 progeny into his herd.
Mr Stronach went on to claim the junior championship award with Islavale Mint, an April 2021-born bull by the above mentioned Corskie Highlander and out of Islavale Amber, an Islavale Echo daughter.
The Reserve Junior champion was the class eight winner Keeldrum Midas from David Lowry, Newsteadings Farm, Lanark. This April 2021 born is entirely homebred being by Keeldrum Gambler and out of Keeldrum Rebecca.
The days female champion is Popes Nelly’s Mia, an April 2021-born heifer from JH & VG Wood, Dutton, Lancashire. Sired by the aforementioned Denizes Impressive, she is bred out of Popes Nellys Ilia, who goes back to Swingletree Emporor.
Standing reserve was Thomas Hill’s Scotland Hill Mabel, from Wadworth, Doncaster. She is out of the Burghbridge Duncan daughter Scotland Hill Hattie, and the sire of this 19-month-old heifer is the Irish bred Clonagh King Eyes.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the ringside for the sale tomorrow, which starts at 11am.
The class results are as follows:
Class 1 – Bull born on or between 4 November 2020 & 16 January 2021 1st – Lot 648: MA Barlow & Sons – DENIZES MONTY – s. Denizes Hamish 2nd – Lot 647: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE MARSHALL – s. Islavale Heston 3rd – Lot 644: Mr WG MacPherson – BLACKFORD LOCAL HERO – s. Heathbrow Important 4th – Lot 643: Bruce Lambie – FALLHILLS LEGEND – s. Islavale Gallant 5th – Lot 646: WJ & J Green – CORSKIE MELDREW – s. Kilbride Farm Haka
Class 2 – Bull born on or between 17 January & 18 February 2021 1st – Lot 652: WJ & J Green – CORSKIE MIKAH – s. Kilbride Farm Haka 2nd – Lot 653: WJ & J Green – CORSKIE MONACH – s. Kilbride Farm Haka 3rd – Lot 660: Crudie Farming Company – CRUDIE MAVERICK – s. Drumsleed Kenya 4th – Lot 659: Crudie Farming Company – CRUDIE MONTE CARLO – s. Blackford Iolair 5th – Lot 663: Mr & Mrs S & L Blomfield – SWAY MONARCH – s. Sway Kingsman
Class 3 – Bull born on or between 19 February & 15 March 2021 1st – Lot 664: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD MAXIMUS – s. Team Celtic 2nd – Lot 675: Delfur Farms – DELFUR MAVERICK – s. Woodhall Instinct 3rd – Lot 667: WH Robson & Sons – KILBRIDE FARM MAJESTIC – s. Kilbride Farm Jetstream 4th – Lot 668: D & R Durno & Sons – AUCHORACHAN MALCOLM – s. Auchorachan Acdc 5th – Lot 665: Delfur Farms – DELFUR MAXIMUS – s. Woodhall Instinct
Class 4 – Bull born on or between 16 & 23 March 2021 1st – Lot 685: JH & VG Wood – POPES MATCHMAKER – s. Denizes Impressive 2nd – Lot 682: D & R Durno & Sons – AUCHORACHAN MAGIC – s. Auchorachan Acdc 3rd – Lot 680: Gordon L Clark – BROOMBRAE MONTY – s. Roma Jaguar 4th – Lot 678: Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MONROE – s. Curaheen Gunshot 5th – Lot 683: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR MALT – s. Wolfstar Jackaroo
Class 5 – Bull born on or between 24 & 28 March 2021 1st – Lot 697: Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MOJO – s. Curaheen Giant 2nd – Lot 693: Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MAGNUM – s. Team Celtic 3rd – Lot 688: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR MUSTANG – s. Wolfstar Jimmy Choo 4th – Lot 695: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR MONARCH – s. Wolfstar Jimmy Choo 5th – Lot 694: Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MERLIN – s. Ranfurly Confederate
Class 6 – Bull born on or between 29 March & 6 April 2021 1st – Lot 698: Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MATRIX – s. Corskie Highlander 2nd – Lot 701: Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MAXIMUS – s. Dermotstown Delboy 3rd – Lot 707: Mr & Mrs AS & YA Leedham – GRANGEWOOD MUSKATEER – s. Ranfurly Impeccable 4th – Lot 702: Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MITCH – s. Corskie Highlander 5th – Lot 699: R & L Storer Smith – STORERSMITH MORSE – s. Ballinalare Farm Galaxy
Class 7 – Bull born on or between 7 & 12 April 2021 1st – Lot 714: Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MINT – s. Corskie Highlander 2nd – Lot 716: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD MEDALLION – s. Islavale Jabba 3rd – Lot 710: Gavin Brown – SPRINGFIELD MAJOR – s. Islavale Jabba 4th – Lot 712: Reece & Andrew Simmers – BACKMUIR MAXIMUS – s. Wolfstar Jackaroo 5th – Lot 713: Mr GW Smith – DRUMSLEED MONTREAL – s. Wolfstar Gordy
Class 8 – Bull born on or between 13 April & 3 May 2021 1st – Lot 727: Mr D Lowry – KEELDRUM MIDAS – s. Keeldrum Gambler 2nd – Lot 730: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE MYLES – s. Aultmore Goliath 3rd – Lot 729: HC Stubbs & AA Burleigh – DERRYCALLAGHAN MASTER – s. Manor Park Hansome 4th – Lot 731: Strathisla Farms – STRAHISLA MANDARIN – Dirnanean Grafter 5th – Lot 728: Richard McCulloch – OVERHILL HOUSE MAJOR – s. Aultmore Goliath
Class 9 – Bull born on or after 4 May 2021 1st – Lot 737: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMAINS MARQUIS 21 – s. Skerrington Iceman 2nd – Lot 741: Thomas Hill – SCOTLAND HILL MERLIN – s. Clonagh King Eyes 3rd – Lot 733: WJ & J Green – CORSKIE MEGASTAR – s. Holmgaard Neils Peter 4th – Lot 742: Jim & Patricia Goldie – NEWBIEMANS MEATH – s. Annick Klondyke 5th – Lot 732: JC MacIver – COLTFIELD MURRY – Rockytop Invader
Class 10 – Heifer born on or after 27 March 2020 1st – Lot 749: JH & VG Wood – POPES NELLYS MIA – s. Denizes Impressive 2nd – Lot 753: Thomas Hill – SCOTLAND HILL MABEL – s. Clonagh King Eyes 3rd – Lot 750: Thomas Hill – SCOTLAND HILL IVY MOLLY – s. Clonagh King Eyes 4th – Lot 746: Mr C Fordyce – BLAIR LAALAA – s. Vale Royal Hamish 5th – Lot 752: Thomas Hill – SCOTLAND HILL MARY – s. Clonagh King Eyes
Group of Three Animals Mr WS Stronach – ISLAVALE MOJO, ISLAVALE MATRIX & ISLAVALE MINT
• 23,000gns breed record price for a cow and calf unit • Cow & calf units sell at 23,000gns; 12,500gns; & 9400gns • Calved heifer sells at 16,000gns • 19 lots sell at 5,000gns and more • Cows & calves average £5,343.95 • Cows average £5,423 • Sale grosses £220,710.05 • Cairnview Reduction Sale tops at 7,500gns
The seven-year-old-cow Annick Colleen’s Ginger EX93 along with her heifer calf Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg, sold for a combined 23,000gns to lead the much anticipated Annick Simmental Herd Dispersal Sale held on behalf of the late Lachlan Quarm, Holehouse Farm, Annick Lodge Estate, By Irvine, Ayrshire, at United Auctions Stirling Agricultural Centre, on Saturday 10th September.
Described as a foremost Simmental pedigree herd, the Annick sale catalogue was just filled with quality animals, built around a strength of family lines with a depth of breeding, proven performance, and a high herd health status. It was enough to ensure a packed ringside and a tremendous trade with buyers from all four home countries purchasing and competing for the animals of their choice.
Sold as separate lots, the top price cow Annick Colleen’s Ginger made 15,000gns when selling to the noted Backmuir pedigree herd of Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire. In a connectivity of breeding, later in the sale the Simmers also bought the first calved heifer Annick Ginger’s Lucia, and Ginger’s daughter, for 16,000gns. A third calver, Annick Colleen’s Ginger by Corskie Callum and out of Annick Prudence’s Colleen EX95, and with her calf at foot being a full sister to the 16,000gns Lucia. Following mum into the ring, Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg, a daughter of the 15,000gns Wolfstar Golddigger, was quickly reunited when purchased by the Simmers at 8,000gns. The combined 23,000gns price is a new Simmental breed record for a cow and calf unit.
Annick Colleen’s Ginger
One of the most anticipated lots in the catalogue was the February 2020 born heifer Annick Ginger’s Lucia. Full of breeding being out of the day’s top price and being sired by Wolfstar Golddigger, this upstanding, stylish heifer had secured a string of show titles through the summer and most noticeably when placing Reserve Simmental Overall, and Reserve Female Champion at the Royal Highland Show. Having calved a heifer calf by Kilbride Farm Karl the day before the sale, Annick Ginger’s Lucia couldn’t travel to Stirling. However, offered in her absence, this well-known heifer’s breeding and show ring performance was enough to see her race to 16,000gns and again be purchased by the Simmers family. With a touch of irony, the Simmers had plenty sight of Annick Ginger’s Lucia through the summer having narrowly pipped her to the Royal Highland Championship!
16,000gns – Annick Gingers Lucia
Commenting on their top price purchases who will now join the 80 cow Backmuir pedigree herd, Reece Simmers said: “This is a breeding line that we’ve admired for sometime and will be new to the herd. All three purchases have a lot of style, are very feminine, and tremendous examples of the Simmental breed. It’s not often you get a chance to buy quality like this, so we are absolutely delighted to get them.”
As well as the new 23,000gns breed record price for a cow and calf unit, the depth of breeding and quality in the catalogue ensured a strong herd sale with nineteen lots in all selling at 5,000gns and more with further cow and calf units at 12,500gns, and 9,400gns. The nineteen cows with calves at foot averaged £5,344; cows averaged £5,423; with maiden heifers averaging £3,255. In all the sale grossed a very healthy £220,710.
12,500gns (combined) – Annick Desiree’s Joy
Selling as two separate lots at a combined unit price of 12,500gns, was Annick Desiree’s Joy VG88 at 6,500gns and along with her heifer calf Annick Joy’s Natalie at 6,000gns. This cow and calf unit was purchased by Geoff and Kate Anderson for their Quarryhill herd at Westergreens Farm, Lossiemouth, Moray. This second calver is March 2018 born and is another by Corskie Callum, a Ballinalare Farm Nightrider son, and out of Annick Belle’s Desiree EX92. Again with breeding and proven performance behind her, Joy is the dam of Annick Memphis who was the Junior Simmental and Junior Interbreed Champion at the 2021 Stars of the Future Show. Her March 2022 born heifer calf, Annick Joy’s Natalie, is another sired by Wolfstar Golddigger.
Speaking on their purchases Mr Anderson said, “I went to visit the Annick herd a few weeks ago to have a look around the cattle in their home environment, and I purchased the cow and calf that I had picked out in the field. I was really impressed with them both and the breeding behind them. The cow has great depth of body and a nice square udder and she has a very stylish heifer calf to go with her. Both my wife Kate and I are very pleased with them and they are a great addition to our herd”.
9,400gns (combined) Annick Trixibelle 23rd
The very next cow and calf unit through the ring saw a combined price of 9,400gns. First up at 6,200gns was Annick Trixibelle 23rd VG89 from the herd’s highly noted Trixibelle line. The April 2018 born Trixibelle 23rd is by Skerrington Visa and is out of Annick Trixi Belle 9th EX92, an Omorga Volvo daughter. Sold as in-calf to Kilbride Farm Karl, Trixibelle 23rd was one of three purchases on the day by Richard McCulloch for his Overhill House herd at Armadale, West Lothian. Trixibelle’s bull calf at foot, Annick Marksman 21, November 2021 born, made 3,200gns when selling to SJ and W Dickinson, High Woodend, Tebay, Penrith.
7,500gns – Annick Fresia’s Kiki
Selling at 7,500gns was the first calving heifer Annick Fresia’s Kiki VG85. October 2019 born, this heifer is another by the prolific female breeding Wolfstar Golddigger and is out of Annick Whitney’s Fresia EX94, a Corskie Callum daughter. With strong performance and classification figures behind her, this heifer also boasted a show record having stood as Female and Reserve Overall Champion at the Royal Highland in 2021. Fresia was sold with her Kilbride Farm Karl sired bull calf, Annick Nazareth 22. Buying this outfit was Jim Dyet for his Merkland pedigree herd at East Merkland Farm, Strathaven, Lanarkshire.
Next in the trade stakes was another cow and calf outfit sold separately and going on to different homes for a combined total of 7,000gns. The cow was the first-time calving, March 2019 born Annick Trixibelle 26th VG86, who is also sired by the aforementioned Wolfstar Golddigger and boasts impressive performance figures with both her TI and SRI figures placing her in the top 5% of the breed. Bred out of Annick Trixi-Belle 8th, she was purchased by E and M Fairhurst & Son, who went on to take home a further 20 animals in all to their fast establishing Fairhurst pedigree herd at Langliffe Mill, Langcliffe, North Yorkshire. Her bull calf, the 12 month-old Annick Merlin 21, sired by the homebred Annick Dalwhinnie 12, was purchased by Messrs AL and J Blair, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire.
6,200gns – Annick Whitney’s Fresia
The first of two to sell for 6,200gns was the cow and calf set Annick Whitney’s Fresia EX94 and her heifer calf Annick Fresia’s Neomi who were purchased by JC MacIver, Forres, Morayshire. Whitney’s Fresia, a fifth calver who is also the Dam of abovementioned Annick Fresia’s Kiki, is sired by the 18,000gns Corskie Callum, and out of Annick Kittiwa’s Whitney, who goes back to the homebred Annick Titan. Her eight month-old heifer calf Fresia’s Neomi is another sired by Wolfstar Golddigger.
6,200gns – Annick Trixibelle 24th
Matching the 6,200gns price, was Annick Trixibelle 24th. Sold in calf to Kilbride Farm Karl, she is another with outstanding performance figures, backed up by her previous show success, being crowned Senior Champion at the Stars if the Future show in 2019. Sired by Wolfstar Golddigger, she is out of the Corskie Callum-sired Annick Trixibelle 16th and was snapped up by JR Goddard, Hardwick,Norwich.
6,000gns – Annick Fleur’s Jasmin
Two lots sold for 6,000gns, both cow and calf pairs. The first set were the February 2018 born Annick Fleur’s Jasmin VG89 and her seven-month-old heifer calf at foot Annick Jasmine’s Nectar. Another Wolfstar Golddigger daughter, Fleur’s Jasmin is out of Annick Radiance’s Fleur EX93, who goes back to Corskie Callum. Another stand out cow, with her top classification score – the maximum for a second calver, her first heifer calf Annick Jasmines Marigold was the 5,000gns top priced heifer to sell at last Decembers inaugural Next Gen sale. She was purchased along with her Kilbride Farm Karl sired calf Annick Jasmine’s Nectar by Inverdunning Ltd, Dunning, Perthshire was sold back in calf to the same bull.
6,000gns – Annick Diamond’s Kylie
The other 6,000gns pair were Annick Diamond’s Kylie GP82 and Annick Kylie’s Nicole, purchased by Pitgaveny Farms, Elgin, Morayshire. The May 2019 born Diamond’s Kylie is a first calver, who was sold back in calf to Kilbride Farm Karl. She is another daughter of Wolfstar Golddigger and bred out of Annick Lydia’s Diamond who goes back to Skerrington Visa. Her nine month old daughter Kylie’s Nicole is sired by the 15,000gns Islavale Jackpot.
Calf at foot to Annick Diamond Kylie – Annick Kyle’s Nicole
CAIRNVIEW REDUCTION SALE TOPS AT 7.500GNS
At the close of the Annick Sale, an offering of four lots was put forward by the Cairnview herd of Andy Wilson, Westcroft Farm, Kilwinning, Ayrshire. Leading the way at 7,500gns was the 2018 born second calver Perrywood Joanna who was sold with her impressive seven-month-old twin bull calves at foot, Cairnview Nick, and Cairnview Nack. Originally bred by BA Borlase, Sacombe Hill Farm, Hertfordshire, Perrywood Joanna is by Derrycallaghan Gambler 15, and is out of Perrywood Vixen. The twin bull calves were both sired by the homozygous polled bull Slievenagh International. Further Cairnview lots made 4800gns, 4200gns, and 3,500gns respectively.
Other top priced Lots
Lots 21 & 21A, sold for a combined 5,800gns with Dam Annick Heather’s Katriona V87 being purchased by GA Francis, Carmarthen, Dyfed for 3,000gns and bull calf Annick Monarch purchased for 2,000gns by KC and P Hawkey, St Wenn, Cornwall.
Lots 27 & 27A, Annick Prudence’s Colleen EX95 & Annick Nelson 22, sold for 5800 to Alex Heath, Market Drayton, Shropshire.
Lots 17 & 17A, Annick Fresia’s June VG87 & Annick Nevada 22, sold for 5,500gns to E & M Fairhurst & Son, Austwick, Lancaster.
Lot 41 Annick Ivy’s Moonbeam, sold for 5,500gns to R McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian.
Lot 22 & 22A, sold for a combined 5,300gns with Dam Annick Ember’s Kirsty VG87 being purchased by GA Francis, Abergorlech, Dyfed, for 3,500gns and bull calf Annick Magnum 21 purchased for 1,800gns by J & J Munn, Jamestown Alexandria.
Lots 2 & 2A Annick Belle’s Desiree EX92 & Annick Desiree’s Nadia, sold for 5,200gns to E & M Fairhurst & Son, Austwick, Lancaster.
Lots 16 & 16A Annick Diamond’s Jem VG87 & Annick Montreal 21, sold for 5,200gns to E & M Fairhurst & Son, Austwick, Lancaster.
Lots 11 & 11A Annick Fern’s Ivy VG88 & Annick Ivy’s Nancy, sold for 5,000gns to E & M Fairhurst & Son, Austwick, Lancaster.
Lot 37 Annick Icicle’s Leah, sold for 5,000gns to Inverdunning Ltd, Dunning, Perthshire.
• 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
30,000gns is the second top price for a Simmental bull sold at auction in the UK
Sale average sets a new breed record of £6835, up by £353
89 bulls sell, up by 25 on the year, and with a clearance rate of 86%
Eight bulls made over 10,000gns, with 25 in all making 7000gns or more.
Orkney buyers purchase ten bulls
Brandane leads the females at 6000gns
Denizes Lancelot 30,000gns
The May 2020 born Denizes Lancelot from Lancashire breeders MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Ulnes Walton Lane, Leyland, sold for 30,000gns to lead an electric Simmental bull trade at United Auction’s Stirling Agricultural Centre on Monday 21st February.
Under the gavel of auctioneer Raymond Kennedy, some fierce bidding saw the bull race to 30,000gns before being knocked down to Richard McCulloch for his noted 160 cow Overhill House Simmental herd at Armadale, West Lothian. Commenting on Denizes Lancelot after the sale Richard McCulloch said: “Very much a modern Simmental he’s a tight, clean bull with a great top and plates, and with the pedigree and figures to match. Just full of style with a beautiful head, and the red colour I was looking for, I think he’s an all-round breeders bull and he continually caught my eye as I went through the bulls in the lines.” Speaking of the 30,000gns price, the second highest paid for a Simmental at auction in the UK, Mr McCulloch went on to say: “There was a lot of competition for the bull and as a breeder I think this is the level of investment that you have to pay to secure an all-round breeders bull of this quality.” Later in the sale Richard McCulloch also purchased the September 2020 born Corskie Lambe for 5550gns from Mr WJ & J Green.
Prolific sellers at the Stirling Simmental Sales, the Barlow’s 30,000gns sale of Denizes Lancelot smashed the 70-cow herd’s previous top price at sale of 17,000gns. Commenting after the sale a ‘buzzing’ John Barlow said: “It’s been a great sale for the Simmental breed and we’re delighted to sell this bull to a top breeder and very much hope that he goes on to do well at Overhill House. As a herd our primary aim is to produce first quality Simmental bulls for the commercial producer. In type we’re trying to breed bulls with no extremes that are long, clean through the front with no middle, have a good top line and plates, and with good locomotion. Within that aim to sell bulls to breeders is a real bonus on top.”
Denizes Lancelot, who stood second in his class, is one of the first bulls offered at Stirling by the homebred sire Denizes Impeccable 17. He is out of Denizes Hannadante 9th, at 13 years old one of the oldest cows in the herd who has previously bred bulls to 15,000gns and who is back in calf to Denizes Hamish. On the day the Denizes herd sold four bulls to 30,000gns; 10,000gns (Intermediate Champion); 9500gns; and 4000gns respectively.
With a bit of fizz and pop in the trade, as commercial buyers competed with pedigree breeders, the sale saw 89 bulls sell in all, up by 25 on the year and to a new Simmental breed record sale average of £6835, which was up by £353 on the previous year. The strong demand saw an 86% clearance rate of the 103 bulls forward. Trends in the sale saw ten bulls in all sell to Orkney buyers, and with seven bulls heading to England and Wales. Speaking after the sale, the British Simmental President Stewart Stronach said: “There was a tremendous atmosphere in and around the Simmental sale and that’s underpinned the day and realised a record breed average with a tremendous clearance rate. We’re seeing consistently strong sales for the breed and I think commercial producers are really looking for the double-barrelled advantages of the Simmentals. The modern Simmental maintains it renowned maternal qualities and crossing ability with any breed. If you add into that the tremendous growth rates in progeny, and number one age at slaughter capabilities I think there’s real recognition of Simmentals efficiency and profitability in the industry.
Ranfurly Limelight 16,000gns
Northern Irish bulls were to the fore throughout the sale, and the second top price of the day was the 16,000gns Ranfurly Limelight from the 20-cow herd of WD and J Hazelton, Cohannon House, Dungannon. This much-admired July 2020 bull is an Auchorachan ACDC son out of the noted cow Raceview Goldie Dreamer who was yearling Champion at Roscommon in 2016 before being purchased for 9000 Euros, and then NI Female of the Year in 2017. In the pre-sale show, Ranfurly Limelight had been placed as Reserve Intermediate Champion by the judge Andrew Clarke of the noted Breaghey herd, Tynan, Co Armagh. Purchasing the second top price. Purchasing this bull was E&M Fairhurst, Bankend Farm, Austwick, By Lancaster, for their newly establishing Fairhurst pedigree herd. Commenting Mr Fairhurst said: “This bull just had a bit of everything for me. I like the breeding on both sides of the pedigree and the bull in himself has a lot of style and presence and is very correct.” For the Ranfurly herd, the 16,000gns marked their top price at sale for a pedigree bull to date and eclipsing their previous mark of 15,000gns.
Wolfstar Loose Cannon 13,000gns
Having a track record of the top two prices at this corresponding fixture in 2020 the Wolfstar herd of Mr A King, Wolfstar, Ormiston, East Lothian, again produced another impressive double when selling bulls to 13,000gn and 12,500gns. Leading the way at 13,000gns was the April 2020 born Wolfstar Loose Cannon who had stood second in the third class of the day. By Team Celtic 11 and out of Wolfstar Ellie, this bull is a full brother to the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo the Champion and top price at the aforementioned 2020 Stirling Sale. This bull was purchased by JC MacIver for his Coltfield pedigree herd at Wester Coldfield, Forres, Moray. Coming to the sale, Mr McIver had seen the Wolfstar bull on Facebook and had also looked at his pedigree and performance figures. “We were looking for a bull that was long, clean, and with good conformation. The breeding of the bull was important and we know previous Wolfstar bulls have gone on to breed well. We have just over 20 pedigree cows at present and are looking to increase that to around forty. The aim is to use him from May and we think he’s a bull that will complement our females.”
Wolfstar Las Vegas 12,500gns
From the same class, and selling one lot before, was Wolfstar Las Vegas who made 12,500gns when selling to commercial producer JH Logan & Co, Dalfask Farm, Girvan, Ayrshire. A well-fleshed dark red bull, Las Vegas is by Islavale Guy and is out of the Team Celtic daughter Wolfstar Gladrags. Running some 250 cows the Logans selected the Wolfstar bull for his length and shape and with the Islavale and Team Celtic breeding on either side of his breeding.
Islavale London 12,000gns
The prolific Islavale herd of WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith had another strong day’s trading with their team of seven bulls grossing £56,100 and to average a mighty £8014. Having won the Supreme Championship some eight times in previous pre-sale shows, Islavale pulled off a herd ‘first’ when on this occasion they won both the Senior Championship and Reserve Senior and with both being by Corskie Highlander who is classified EX92. Lifting the Senior title and taking the herds to price on the day of 12,000gns was the March 2020 born Islavale London. This big upstanding bull, with a Maternal (Milk) figure of +8 is out of the growthy cow Islavale Benita VG 88. Buying the Senior Champion was Reece & Andrew Simmers for their 50-cow Backmuir pedigree herd at Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire. In addition to the pedigree Simmentals, the Simmers run a large-scale cattle enterprise featuring some 600 cows in all and heavily influenced by Simmental genetics.
Islavale Leonardo 9000gns
The Reserve Senior Champion, who stood second in his class to the section Champion was Islavale Leonardo. Again March 2020 born this bull is out of Islavale Mistress who is classified VG 89. Purchasing this bull at 9000gns was the commercial producer C&G Thomson, Wester Tulloch, Midmar, Aberdeenshire. Mr Thomson had not seen the bull before Stirling but was impressed with him at first sight describing him as a long, clean bull and ‘just perfect’ for their commercial cows. Previously Mr Thomson has purchased Islavale Kacy from the Stronachs for 11,500gns at an October Stirling Sale.
Islavale Lockdown 10,000gns
Continuing the run of prices from the Islavale herd, the May 2020 born Islavale Lockdown sold for the five-figure price of 10,000gns. This calf is by the herd sire Shacon Hannibal and is out of 16 (ET) EX 94 and is out of Islavale Teresa. Shacon Hannibal is also the sire of the 8000gns Islavale Lullaby who was the Champion Female at the Society’s successful Next Generation Sale in Carlisle in December 2021. Purchasing this calf was AJ Bulmer for his quickly establishing Habton pedigree herd at Coultas Farm, Great Habton, Malton, North Yorks. In what was only his second trip to Stirling, Mr Bulmer was ‘thrilled’ with his purchase and very impressed with his purchase describing him as ‘really stylish, solid straight through, with plenty of width and backend’. The aim from here is to use the bull from May and across both pedigree and commercial cows.
Ballinalare Farm Legacy 10,000gns
First in class four was Ballinalare Farm Legacy from Mr J & Mr A Wilson, Dorans Hill, Newry, Northern Ireland. May 2020 born, this calf is by Kilbride Farm Bantry and is out of the Auchorachan Wizard daughter Ballinalare Farm Evita who is a full sister to the noted AI sire Ballinalare Farm Galaxy. Buying this bull at 10,000gns was R&N Barclay, Harestone, Insch, Aberdeenshire. Commenting, Mr Barclay said: “We had seen a video of this bull on Facebook and had been very impressed by the class of the bull and the power behind him and which was confirmed when we saw him. Ballinalare Farm Legacy will join the herd as a junior stock bull and will begin working in the middle of May.” The Barclays run a noted herd of some 280 cross cows.
Denizes Logic 10,000gns
By the same sire as the day’s top price, the Intermediate Champion Denizes Logic from the Barlows sold for 10,000gns. Combining breeding and performance, this July 2020 born bull is by Denizes Impeccable and is out of Raceview Fenella Beauty who is from the highly noted Matilda cow family. Featuring good calving figures, this bull was bought by Strathisla Farms, Strathisla, Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie and which runs the pedigree Strathisla herd of 60 cows along with 150 suckler cows. Commenting, Adrian Ivory said: “I liked this bulls length and soft fleshing, and he’s from a female line that’s bred consistently well and through many generations. I look for a combination of colour, figures, breeding, locomotion and looks, and this bull ticks a lot of those boxes.”
Denizes Lord 9500gns
Continuing their run of prices, the June 2020 born Denizes Lord made 9500gns and was another bull to go to Orkney when selling to JI & WN Stout, Whitehall, Stronsay. This calf, is by the increasingly prolific Denizes Hamish whose first ten calves sold, prior to the sale, have averaged 5500gns. Combining shape, pedigree, and figures, Denizes Lord is in the breed’s top 5% for calving ease. Lord is out of the Ashland Tornado daughter Denizes Melody 11th.
Kilbride Farm Lucky Strike 9000gns
A strong team of five bulls forward from WH Robson & Sons, Kilbride Farm, Doagh, Ballyclare, saw a top price of 9000gns and with the five in all grossing £35,904 to average £7181. Leading the way was the August 2020 born homozygous polled bull Kilbride Farm Lucky Strike PP. This calf by Kilbride Farm Gruffalo (P), placed first in his class in the 2021 Virtual Simmental Show. His dam Kilbride Farm Iris 22JP is noted as breeding well in the herd and with his Grand dam Kilbride Farm Iris 17F having been voted third best Simmental cow in Europe in 2020. This bull sold north to Caithness and to the Ackergill pedigree herd of W&J Coghill, Ackergill Mains, Wick. Commenting Mr Coghill said: “We are delighted to get the bull. We had seen him online prior to the sale and were very interested in him as he is homozygous polled and this is a route we want to go down with the herd.” The Robsons sold further bulls at 8500gns; 6200gns; 6000gns; and 5500gns respectively.
Ballymoney Leonard 7,800gns
The pre-sale Supreme Champion came in the shape of the winner of Class 10, and also the Junior Champion, Ballymoney Leonard from Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Banbridge, Northern Ireland. September 2020 born, this bull is by Saltire Impressive 17 and is out of Ballymoney Orla from the noted Ballinalare Farm Beauty line. Ballymoney Leonard sold for 7800gns to the noted commercial producer JM McIntosh, Genoch Mains, Dunragit, Stranraer.
Brandane Laura 6000gns
In the small show of females, the Overall Champion came in the shape of the very stylish April 2020 born heifer Brandane Laura from Mr J McMillan, Wagon Lodge, East Church, St Kenninghall. Full of breeding this heifer is by Atlow Dixon and is out of Sterling Bacardi’s Funky and described as one of the best female lines from the noted Sterling herd dispersal sale in 2017. Buying the female Champion at 6000gns was PA&SM Cade for their Cade pedigree herd at Paddock Farm, Buckden, East Anglia.
AVERAGES:
89 Bulls (+25) £6835 (+£353)
13 Females £2423
OTHER LEADING PRICES:
8500gns Lot 467 Corskie Leopold, sold to A H Smith
8500gns Lot 499 Kilbride Farm Lord of the Ring, sold to Lour Farms
8500gns Lot 507 Auchorachan Longshot, sold to W Dunlop & Son
8500gns Lot 510 Braidwood Luke, sold to Garvald Mains Farm
8200gns Lot 490 Pitmudie Lancelot, sold to G A & H M Francis
8000gns Lot 504 Corrick Logic, sold to C & M Bruce
8000gns Lot 531 Broombrae Loon, sold to M M & A Campbell
7800gns Lot 535 Ballymoney Leonard, sold to Genoch Mains Farms
7500gns Lot 449 Popes Lucifer, sold to C & G Thomson
7500gns Lot 454 Rockytop Lacoste, sold to H MacDonald
7500gns Lot 479 Lagavaich Lewie, sold to A & B Kerr
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