Here’s a catch up of just some of the latest Simmental market briefs as the breeds all-round, dual purpose qualities sees Simmental cattle topping breeding, prime, store, and calf sales around the UK. Future fit, Simmental genetics are gaining increasing commercial recognition for efficiency and profit, and with strong ‘green’ credentials. AHDB’s confirmation of the breed’s age at slaughter abilities is coupled with Simmental sired progeny being fast growing with terrific weight for age, hitting industry specs and producing high quality carcases with a high retail beef yield. Long regarded as maternal mainstays of the suckler herd, Simmentals are high quality suckler cows; full of milk; fertile; easy calving; can calve at two years old; and who can wean calves at 50% of their bodyweight at 200 days. These are the natural attributes of the modern British Simmental and striking a chord with commercial beef producers:
At H&H’s Borderway Market, Carlisle on 27th July, the weather had cooled down but Ring 4 had heated up with both trade and quality up on the week. Bulls and weanling cattle took a big rise in trade with bulls topping at £1455 for a Simmental from Messrs Hague of Whitehaven. The same good home also had another Simmental bull at £1420.
At Dungannon Farmers Mart on 27th July, dropped heifer calves sold to a top of £350 for a Simm presented by R Fields.
At Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd sale of prime cattle on 26th July, prime bullocks averaged 256.8p per kg (+9.6p) and sold to 260.0p per kg for a 595kg Simmental cross from Shoreton Farms, Culbokie selling to Messrs John M Munro Ltd, Dingwall.
On Tuesday 26th July, Lawrie and Symington Ltd had 196 cattle forward to the fortnightly sale at Lanark. Bullocks sold to a top of £1480 for a pair of 635kg Simmentals from Parklea.
On Monday 25th July 2022, Caledonian Marts Ltd Stirling had forward 241 Store Cattle at their fortnightly sale. Bullocks averaged 226ppkg selling to 250ppkg for a pen of Simmentals from J Cameron, Balbuthie, Fife and to £1330 for a pen of Simmentals from R Nelson, Blairmains, Culross.
At Frome’s store cattle sale on 22nd July, quality wanted with fast bidding holding prices well considering the dry weather conditions. Best bred and reared young Simmentals sucklers from Martin Blow, IOW, a highlight selling from £870 to £915. Young heifers equally wanted with Martin Blows Simmentals selling well to £885 (15mo).
On 21st July, at Aberdeen and Northern Marts sale of prime cattle prime cattle, under 30 month prime bullocks averaged 242.3p (+8.4p) and sold to £1901.25 gross for a 845kg Simmental cross from East Cairnbeg, Laurencekirk. On the same day at a sale of cast cows and bulls, beef feeding cows averaged £1228.26 (+£4) and sold to £1470 for a 756kg Simmental from Maesquoy Farms Harray. Boning Cows averaged £896.66 (+£200.18) and sold to £1030 for a 580kg Simmental.
In the sale of store cattle at Hallworthy on 21st July, younger Steers from AM & VR Pascoe of Helston saw a real trade, these well fleshed and grown steers saw a top of £990 for 13 month Simmental x Herefords.
In the sale of calves and weanlings at Oswestry on 20th July, Simmental bulls aged 6 months sold to £628 and Simmental heifers aged 5 months to £535 all from I G & G M Evans & Sons, Pendugwn.
Leading the steer trade at Darlington’s store cattle sale on 18th July was a well grown 15-month-old Simmental from Chopwell based A Willey which reached a healthy £1385.
A hefty Simmental cross steer secured the top price of £1520 at Hexham and Northern Marts sale of 70 store cattle on 15th July for Messrs Walker Bros, Sately and who averaged £1431 for six fine examples.
At H&H’s Borderway Primestock Sale at Carlisle on 19th July, Simmentals sold to a top price of £2047 for 848kgs from Messrs Lowry, New Steadings, Lanark.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts, on 15th July, sold 946 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned calves and 19 adult head of breeding cattle. Bullocks (500) averaged 248.6p and sold to £1,930 gross for a 830kg Simmental cross from Woodend, Muir of Ord. Bulls sold to £1,405 gross for a 634kg Simmental from Mavsey, Lybster.
Lancaster Livestock Auction Mart’s sale of calves and weanlings on 15th July saw strong calves and weanlings meet with a big demand. Plenty of those strong calves sold in the region of £400 with a run of bull calves from Lawson Dairy Limited, Cockerham stealing the headlines selling Simmentals to £425.
In a sale of cast cows and bulls at Aberdeen & Northern Marts on 14th July, beef feeding cows averaged £1,224.22 (+£48.18) and sold to £1,490 for a 716kg Simmental cross from Hillhead, Lybster Boning Cows averaged £696.48 and sold to £1,050 for a 604kg Simmental cross.
Hallworthy’s sale of store cattle on 14th July saw a grand trade for the fleshy cattle. Top spot going to Treleaven and Old of St Minver with an outstanding run of Charolise cattle at 24 months, his best pair of steers to £1465 and a sappy single to £1400, his heifers topping out at £1305 and a trio at £1250. Younger cattle saw R Cobbldick of Trelash topping the heifers with a pair of Simmentals to £955.
At United Auctions Stirling Market on 13th July 2022 sold 419 store cattle, native bred cattle and young bulls, 210 breeding cattle and 95 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. In the breeding cattle, cows with bull claves were topped by Glenpark Farms with a Simmental at £2450. Further Simmental lots from the same farm made £2300, £2250, £2100 & £2020.
At Frome’s sale of cull cows on 13th July, a run of Simmental cows from Tuckmarsh Farm Ltd and Portesham Dairy Farm set the trade alight with prices at 199.50p/kg or £1618 and 194p/kg or £1484 respectively.
In the store cattle sale at Truro Livestock Market on 13th July, the trade for one year old steers was led by Simmental x to £1285 for Messrs I D & S S Backway of St Eval, Wadebridge. The trade for one and a half year old heifers was led by Simmental x to £1200 for Mrs B Baxter of Porkellis, Helston. On the same day a Simmental x bull made top price at £340 to lead the rearing calves on behalf of Messrs N J & L Goldsworthy from Tregony, Truro.
At Hexham’s sale of cast cows on 12th July, a Simmental cow from Mr R M Johnston, High Fotherley Farm sold to £2010.65, and was one of three cows selling to over £2000 at the sale.
In Ayr Markets sale of calves and stirks on 12th July, a Simmental bull calf from Daldowie led the trade at £460. In the stirks a Simmental Bull topped at £880 from Auchentibber who also topped the heifers with a Simmental at £775.
An excellent early July entry of store cattle sold to another strong trade at Exeter on 8th July with buyers from all over the West Country and beyond looking for all ages and types. Store steers rose to a top of £1480 given for a couple of grand Simmental crosses from Dan Tooze of Broadsands whilst a tremendous run of suckler bred Simmental steers from Stephen Pearce of Menheniot saw eye catching bunches to £1470, £1445 and £1440.
At Stirling on 6th July, United Auctions sale saw beef cows and bulls average 189.08p to 231.90p per kg for a SimX from Tulloch Farms.
Truro’s sale of rearing calves on 6th July saw a smart Simmental x heifer lead the heifer section when making £250 on behalf of Messrs T N & M Morrow from Ladock, Truro.
SIMMENTAL CROSS COW WITH HEIFER CALF SELLS TO £3,900 AT THAINSTONE Aberdeen and Northern Marts on 1st July sold 103 head of adult breeding cattle. Heifer with bull calves sold to £2,250 for a Simmental cross with Limousin cross from Upper Sauchen, Ordhead. Cow with heifer calf sold to £3,900 for a 2017 Simmental cross cow with Limousin cross from Welton of Creuchies. On the same day and at a store cattle sale for Orkney consignors, heifers sold to a top of £1,055 gross for a 436kg Simmental from R J Thomson, Trondheim. At Lancaster Livestock Auctions sale of store cattle on 1st July, all types in plenty of demand and the trade remaining strong. Simmental steers from L Goodier & Son, Lea led the way selling to £1660.
A sale of calves at Exeter on 1st July met a sharp trade throughout with plenty of buyers present ready to get stuck in. Top of the day was £300 for a smart (1m) Simmental bull in from M R & K M Pring of Broadclyst with others from the same farm at £245 (1m).
The sale at Caledonian Marts, Stirling on 30th June saw cast males sold to 228ppkg for a Simmental from South Quarter, Kingsbarns and to £1690 from the same home.
At Brockholes Arms Auction Mart, Preston, on 29th June, overall top spot in the steer section went to J & A Heap & Sons with Simx at £1,270, Blacklidge Bros also with Simx to £1,250.
United Auctions on 22nd June sold 115 store cattle and young bulls and 89 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. Bullocks averaged 239.90p and to £1150 for a 480kg SimX from Little Aiden. Beef cows and bulls averaged 194.58p to 263.90p per kg for a SimX from Kilmux, and to £2280 for a SimX from Kilmux.
At Dingwall on 21st June and Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd sale of prime cattle, bullocks averaged 252.5p (+8.1p) and sold to 256.0p per kg for a 580kg Simmental cross from Kincraig Farm, Invergordon and £1,606.05 gross for a 645kg Simmental cross from Bridgend Farm, Dingwall both selling to John M Munro Ltd, Dingwall.
OTM MARKET RECORD OF £2180 AT HUNTLY At a United Auctions Sale at Huntly on 16th June, OTMS averaged 202.8p per kg selling to a top of 229.3p per kg for a 750kg SimX from Corskie, Garmouth. Top gross and a market record being achieved at £2180 for a 975kg Sim from Messrs Green, Corskie, Garmouth.
Popes, Denizes, and Heathbrow combine to win Interbreed Team of Four
Hannah Wood and Callum Leedham win Young Breeders’ Stockjudging
The Royal Lancashire Show, Salesbury Hall, Ribchester, provided the stage for a quality line up of Simmentals at the breed’s 2022 English National Show held on Saturday 23rd July. In typically damp Lancashire conditions, the April 2020 born in-calf heifer Popes Princess Lumi from Messrs JH & VG Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, lit up the day in front of the healthy ringside crowd when lifting the Supreme Overall Championship, and Female Championship titles before the judge Iain Green of the noted Corskie herd, Fochabers, Moray. Adding to what was a terrific couple of days for the Popes herd and the Simmental breed, Popes Princess Lumi went on to win the show’s Supreme Overall Interbreed title the following day and this time under the watchful eye of judge and well-known Carlisle auctioneer, James Little. From the many sponsors involved, the Overall Supreme Championship was sponsored by the Midlands based Town & Country Meats.
Supreme & Female Champion – Popes Princess Lumi
Popes Princess Lumis’ further win at the Simmental English National Show followed hard on the heels of the recent Great Yorkshire Show, where this stylish heifer had also won the breed’s Overall and Female Champion titles. With a pedigree packed full of top breeding lines, Popes Princess Lumi, who is in calf to Popes Barclay, is by the prolific AI bull Team Celtic 11 and is out of the herd’s decorated show cow Popes Princess Cleo EX95, who herself has previously secured Overall Interbreed titles at both the Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh Shows respectively. Lumi’s granddam, Popes Nellys Princess was the Simmental Overall Supreme Champion at the blue riband Royal Show back in 2007 and, like her granddaughter, won the Royal Lancashire Show Interbreed in 2006. This female breeding line all goes back to Tintoside Nelly’s Wonder, a daughter of the breed’s much noted Cloford Nelly.
Commenting on his Supreme Champion, the Simmental judge Iain Green said: “This heifer was full of style and carried tremendous length and width whilst being very correct on her legs and good on her feet. She is a great example of the Simmental breed and just has everything to go on and be a top breeding female.” Of the show generally Iain Green went on to say: “It’s an absolute honour to have been asked to judge the Simmental English National Show and within what is a new venue for the event at the Royal Lancashire Show. I’d like to congratulate all of the exhibitors who entered what was a select and terrific show. The standard on display puts the breed on a sound footing for the future and the quality of the females really shone through.” A past British Simmental Cattle Society President Iain Green runs 200 pedigree breeding females along with 400 Simmental cross sucklers. No stranger to the show ring he has previously judged the Simmental section at such shows as the Balmoral Show; Royal Welsh; Stirling Bull Sales; Royal Norfolk; and interbreeds at the Royal Highland, and Three Counties to name a few.
For the 50 breeding female Popes herd, this was a second English National Show Supreme Championship, following on from a win with Popes Rhona back in 2018. With the Royal Lancashire being in the Wood’s home ‘backyard’, the Popes team enjoyed an outstanding show day and secured a host of titles including: Individual Interbreed; Supreme Simmental Champion; Female Champion; Male Champion; Junior Champion; The Pairs; and the Dam Group, to name a few. Quite a day! Speaking at the end of the day, Vikki Wood said: “It’s been a super Simmental show and just great to see the breed on the front foot and such an interest at ringside. We are really delighted to have done so well with the team and its extra special to win at the Royal Lancashire and a show where we can sleep in our own beds at night!” Of the Popes cattle forward Vikki Wood went on to say; “Our simple aim is just to continue to breed quality bulls and females that are market relevant, and that keep improving and modernising the Popes Simmental herd. Commercially the breed has all the attributes of milk, fertility, growth and terrific carcases. We think the Simmental is hard to beat in what it can offer commercial beef producers.”
Keeping it very much a day for the Red Rose county, the Reserve Overall Supreme Champion, and Reserve Female Champion came in the shape of the winner of Class Five, Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3rd from MA Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancs. Another Simmental female packed with quality bloodlines, the January 2020 born Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3rd parents are both previous Supreme Champions at the Royal Highland Show. The sire is Blackford Galaxy 15 whilst the dam is the multi title winning Auroch Eve, an Auroch Ace daughter. Of his Overall Reserve, Iain Green said: “Just another tremendous Simmental female. Again, a well grown heifer, full of length, and with great breeding potential.” Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3rd is in-calf to Denizes Lancelot who sold for 30,000gns at Stirling in February this year. The Reserve Overall Championship was sponsored by Carlisle auctioneers Harrison & Hetherington.
Male & Junior Champion & Interbreed Best Homebred Animal – Popes Memphis
Denizes breeding also featured strongly in the Popes show line up with the bull Denizes Impressive, purchased by the Woods for 12,000gns at the Stirling February 2019 Sale, being the sire of a number of the day’s prize winners. Amongst these included the Overall Male Champion, and Overall Junior Champion, Popes Memphis who was at his first summer show. February 2021 born Popes Memphis is by Impressive and is out of Popes Diamonds IO. Again with plenty of breeding on the dam line, Diamonds is by Popes Fearless, who himself has featured in winning Royal Welsh and Great Yorkshire Pairs Interbreeds with Popes Princess Cleo, and is out of Clonguish Diamond who was purchased for 10,000 Euros in Ireland. Come the Sunday, Popes Memphis also picked up an Interbreed Championship when winning the title for Best Homebred animal. At the backend of 2021, Popes Memphis also won the Male Championship in the Simmental Calf Show at the English Winter Fair. Of Popes Memphis, Iain Green said: “This is a very impressive young bull with great potential. He has length and width and super locomotion. I’m sure this bull will go on to have a great future as a high-end breeder’s bull.” Describing him as ‘one of the best bulls we have bred to date’, Vikki Wood said that ‘a lot of interest’ has been shown in this exciting young bull who would now be aimed at the breed’s October Sale in Stirling.
Reserve Male Reserve Male Junior Champion – Popes Matchmaker
Following this bull through from his class and to take Overall Reserve Male, and Junior Male Reserve was another from the Popes herd in the shape of Popes Matchmaker. Again by Denizes Impressive, this March 2021 born calf is out of the Banwy Wonderboy daughter Popes Whispers Della (TF) EX90. With a summer track record behind him, Popes Matchmaker had secured the Junior Interbreed Reserve and Simmental Male Championship at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show.
Senior Bull Champion – Dermotstown King Kong
Taking the Senior Bull title and the Lord Hesketh Cup was the 2018 born Dermotstown King Kong shown by David Donnelly, Atlow House, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. This bull, bred in Ireland, is by the well-known Dermotstown Delboy and is out of Broomfield Belle.
Senior Cow Champion – Heathbrow Girlie’s IvyBest Group of Four – DA & LA Sapsed – Heathbrow Lavender, Heathbrow Girlies Laurel, Heathbrow Girlies Ivy & Heathbrow Koko Star
Back in the females, and the Burytown Trophy for the Best Senior Cow was won by the 2017 born Heathbrow Girlies Ivy from David and Lesley Sapsed, High Heath Farm, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Entirely homebred, Girlies Ivy is by Heathbrow Findlay 14, and is out of Heathbrow Girlie’s Freesia (P) (TF) EX93. A further title for the Heathbrow herd was secured when they won the Memorial Trophy for the Best Calf at foot with the January 2022 born Heathbrow Nova Star (P). Again with plenty of breeding behind him this heifer’s calf is by Heathbrow Important, the multi-title winning stock bull, and is out of Heathbrow Koko Star (P) the 2021 Supreme Simmental Overall Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show. Capping a fine show for this noted herd, Heathbrow won the Group of Four award, and also had Heathbrow Girlie’s Laurel featuring in the winning Interbreed Team of Four.
Junior Female Champion – Popes Trixies Mikala
Continuing the roll call of prizes, the Woods team also picked up the Junior Female Championship with the March 2021 born heifer Popes Trixies Mikala. Once more by Denizes Impressive, this calf is out of Popes Trixies Inoa whose grand dam is Greenside Trixie-Belle 5th, the mother of the herd’s noted bred bull Popes Laird. Popes Trixies Mikala was the Overall and Female Champion at the Simmental Calf Show held at Stafford in 2021, and this year was Simmental Reserve Junior at the Great Yorkshire.
Recapping the breed’s Interbreed success on the Sunday, the Supreme Beef Champion award went to Popes Princess Lumi; the winning Interbreed Team of Four comprised of Popes Princess Lumi, Popes Princess Maya, Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3rd, and Heathbrow Girlie’s Laurel; the Interbreed Best Homebred animal was won by Popes Memphis 21; and the Reserve Interbreed Pair went to Popes Memphis 21 and Popes Trixies Mikala.
Special mention must also go to the Young Breeder’s Stockjudging held on the Saturday afternoon. Open to all breeds a fantastic eighteen young breeders of the future had a go with a heady mixture of enthusiasm and no little skill. The senior section prize went to Hannah Wood of the Popes herd, with Callum Leedham of the Grangewood herd, Pickering, North Yorkshire, picking up the junior section prize. Earlier in the day Callum had also secured the Forsdale Trophy for the Young Stockman within the English National Show. A huge thank you is extended to all of the sponsors for supporting this event and attending on Saturday, it is greatly appreciated. Thanks are also extended to Iain Green for a super judging job, to Mark Cleverdon for terrific show commentary that kept all informed, and to Ian Pickup and the Royal Lancashire show for so willingly hosting the English National Show. Thanks to the event organising committee for their hard work, and a ‘big up’ to Chris and Kath Martindale, John Barlow, Christina and Christine, and Richard Storer Smith for their help and support over the three days at the show. Lastly a very special ‘thank you’ is extended to all of the exhibitors who made the show by supporting it, bringing forward some tremendous cattle, and creating a special and fun atmosphere. Here’s to the 2023 Simmental English National Show which will be held at the Royal Norfolk Show on 28th & 29th June.
On behalf of the British Simmental Cattle Society, a massive thank you is extended to all companies who so readily sponsored the 2022 Simmental English National Show. It is so greatly appreciated by both the Society and the exhibitors. We loved meeting so many of the company representatives and very much hope that you enjoyed some Simmental hospitality and being involved with the event. A special ‘thank you’ is extended to our Gold Sponsors, Town & Country Meats Group Ltd; and to our three silver sponsors Harrison & Hetherington; the Cardboard Box Company; and Selby Livestock Market. Thank you also to our Bronze sponsors who were: Agri King; Veolia Organics; Barenbrug; Lloyds Animal Feeds; Barlow Trailers; Carrs Billington; Biobest Hi Health Herdcare; Galloway & MacLeod; Mha Moore & Smalley; Bakertilly International; Malpas Tractors; NFU Mutual; McCartneys Rural; Easyfix Livestock Comfort; Bata; and DB Foods.
2022 British Simmental National Show Results Saturday 23 July 2022 – Royal Lancashire Show Judge: Iain Green, Garmouth, Morayshire of the Corskie Simmental herd
Heifer, born on or after 1 April 2021 – kindly sponsored by NFU Mutual 1 – J H & V G Wood – Popes Princess Maya – s. Denizes Impressive 17
Heifer, born on or between 1 January and 31 March 2021 – kindly sponsored by Malpass 1 – J H & V G Wood – Popes Trixies Mikala – s. Denizes Impressive 17 2 – Mr & Mrs AS & YA Leedham – Grangewood Miss Moneypenny – s. Ranfurly Impeccable I4 17 3 – James Griffin – Hemingford Madonna – s. Saltire Jaguar 18 4 – T & J Hassall – Fishpool Millie – s. Sterling Hugo 16
Heifer, born on or between 1 August and 31 December 2020 – kindly sponsored byCarrs Billington 1 – David & Lesley Sapsed – Heathbrow Girlie’s Laurel – s. Scotland Hill Cairo 11 2 – T & J Hassall – Fishpool Lottie – s. Kilbride Farm Hans 16
Heifer, born on or between 1 April and 31 July 2020– kindly sponsored byAgri-King 1 – J H & V G Wood – Popes Princess Lumi – s. Team Celtic 11
Heifer, born on or between 1 January and 31 March 2020– kindly sponsored byGalloway & McCleod 1 – M A Barlow & Sons – Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3 – s. Blackford Galaxy 15 2 – David & Lesley Sapsed – Heathbrow Lavender – s. Heathbrow Important 17
Cow or Heifer, born in 2019 in-milk with calf at foot or certified in calf and due to calve before 3 years of age – kindly sponsored byVeolia 1 – David & Lesley Sapsed – Heathbrow Koko Star – s. Scotland Hill Cairo 11
Cow, born in 2017 or 2018 in-milk or certified in calf at the time of the Show – kindly sponsored byBATA Ltd 1 – David & Lesley Sapsed – Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy – s. Heathbrow Findlay 14 2 – J H & V G Wood – Popes Nellys Ilia – s. Swingletree Emporor 13
Cow, born before 1 January 2017 in-milk or certified in calf at the time of the Show– kindly sponsored byMcCartneys 1 – J David Loftus – Blackpool Hosanna – s. Blackpool Ely 13
Bull, born on or after 1 April 2021– kindly sponsored byMoore & Smalley 1 – Mr & Mrs AS & YA Leedham – Grangewood Musketeer 21 – s. Ranfurly Impeccable I4 17 2 – M A Barlow & Sons – Denizes Moreno 21 – s. Denizes Hamish 16 3 – M A Barlow & Sons – Denizes Magic 21 – s. Denizes Hamish 16 4 – J H & V G Wood – Popes M Sport 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17
Bull, born or between 1 January and 31 March 2021 – kindly sponsored byLloyds Animal Feeds 1 – J H & V G Wood – Popes Memphis 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17 2 – J H & V G Wood – Popes Matchmaker 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17 3 – James Griffin – Hemingford Maverick 21 – s. Saltire Jaguar 18
Bull, born on or before 31 December 2019 – kindly sponsored byBiobest 1 – Mr D Donnelly – Dermotstown King Kong – s. Dermotstown Delboy
Pair of Animals of either sex entered in the above classes, the property of the same exhibitor– kindly sponsored by Biobest 1 – J H & V G Wood – Popes Memphis 21 & Popes Trixies Mikala 2 – D A & L A Sapsed – Heathbrow Lavender & Heathbrow Girlie’s Laurel
Group of Four – The best group of four to be owned or bred by the exhibitor– kindly sponsored byEasyfix 1 – D A & L A Sapsed – Heathbrow Lavender, Heathbrow Girlie’s Laurel, Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy & Heathbrow Koko Star 2 – J H & V G Wood – Popes Princess Lumi, Popes Trixies Mikala, Popes Princess Maya & Popes Memphis 21
The Albert Clements Memoral Trophy for the Best Junior Heifer born on or after 1 January 2018 J H & V G Wood – Popes Trixies Mikala – s. Denizes Impressive 17
The Mary Sapsed Memorial Trophy for the Best Simmental Calf at Foot David & Lesley Sapsed – Heathbrow Nova Star 22 – s. Heathbrow Important 17
The Austrian Simmental Breeders Challenge Trophy for the Female Champion J H & V G Wood – Popes Princess Lumi – s. Team Celtic 11
The Swiss Cattle Breeders Cow Bell for the Reserve Female Champion M A Barlow & Sons – Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3 – s. Blackford Galaxy 15
The Burytown Trophy for the Best Senior Cow David & Lesley Sapsed – Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy – s. Heathbrow Findlay 14
The Lord Hesketh Cup for the Best Senior Bull Mr D Donnelly – Dermotstown King Kong – s. Dermotstown Delboy
The Imex Plate for the Male Champion J H & V G Wood – Popes Memphis 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17
The Perpetual Challenge Swiss Cowbell for the Reserve Male Champion J H & V G Wood – Popes Matchmaker 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17
The New Zealand Society Trophy for the Best Junior Bull J H & V G Wood – Popes Memphis 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17
The BSCS Perpetual Silver Trophy and a Large Crystal Rosebowl for the Supreme Champion J H & V G Wood – Popes Princess Lumi – s. Team Celtic 11
The Crystal Rosebowl for the Reserve Supreme Champion M A Barlow & Sons – Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3 – s. Blackford Galaxy 15
The Chandler Hargreaves Trophy for the Best opposite Sex to the Supreme Champion J H & V G Wood – Popes Memphis 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17
The Brinkton Trophy for the Best Junior Simmental born on or after 1 January 2018 J H & V G Wood – Popes Memphis 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17
The John Thornborrow Trophy for the Best Pair any age or sex bred by the exhibitor J H & V G Wood – Popes
The John Eastwood for the Best Dam Group of the Year Award J H & V G Wood – Tintoside Nelly`s Wonder – s. Sterling Parliamentarian
The Imex Plate (1st place) for the Breeder winning the most points in the classes J H & V G Wood – Popes
The Norbeck Trophy for the Senior Heifer J H & V G Wood – Popes Princess Lumi – s. Team Celtic 11
The RC Cup Rettie Perpetual Trophy for the Stockmen in charge of the Supreme Champion Nairn Wylie
The Forsdale Trophy for the Young Stockperson Callum Leedham
The Barlow Brothers Trophy for the Best Group of Four owned or bred by the Exhibitor David & Lesley Sapsed – Heathbrow
Royal Lancashire ShowInterbreed Championships
Supreme Beef Champion (Judge Mr J Little) J H & V G Wood – Popes Princess Lumi – s. Team Celtic 11
Interbreed Best Homebred animal J H & V G Wood – Popes Memphis 21 – s. Denizes Impressive 17
Interbreed Team of Four Popes Princess Lumi, Popes Princess Maya, Denizes Eve’s Beauty 3 & Heathbrow Girlie’s Laurel
• Backmuir Win Overall Supreme & Female Championship • Annick Ginger’s Lucia Takes Overall Reserve • Drumsleed Legacy Lifts Male Championship • Denizes Monty Crowned Simmental Junior Champion • Brandane Millie Wins Junior Female • Blackford Local Hero Wins Marks & Spencer Beefbreeder Interbreed • • Simmentals Place Champion & Reserve in Marks & Spencer Beefbreeder Interbreed
Overall Champion Islavale Lullaby
The cattle and the crowds were back to normal at Ingliston, Edinburgh as the 2022 Royal Highland roared into life on Thursday 23rd June and featuring a strong Simmental section of some seventy-five entries.
Judge for the day was Northern Ireland’s Joe Wilson who runs the noted Ballinalare herd of some 60 Simmental cows at Dorans Hill, Newry, County Down. Played out in front of a large ringside crowd, and after working through some ten classes of bulls and females, the judge tapped out Islavale Lullaby from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire as his Female Champion and as the 2022 Simmental Overall Supreme Champion.
Bred by Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, this April 2020 born heifer by Shacon Hannibal 16 and the first calf out of Islavale Inspire GP 82, was purchased by the Simmers for 8000gns at the Society’s inaugural Simmental Next Generation Sale of females and weaned calves at Carlisle in December 2021, and where she had also stood Overall Champion.
Commenting on his choice of Champion Joe Wilson said: “This heifer just had tremendous quality throughout. Super stylish, she was just full of breed character, was well fleshed and moved really well. Overall a terrific heifer and just the kind of Simmental I’d love to take home with me!” Of the show generally, Joe Wilson went on to say: “With the advent of Covid I’ve been waiting some three years to judge the Highland! It’s been a great honour and fully lived up to expectations. I’d like to congratulate all exhibitors for the quality of the stock forward and have no hesitation in saying that the future of British Simmental looks very bright.”
For the Simmers, this Supreme Championship win was the ‘next step up’ and followed hard on the heels of the last full Royal Highland in 2019 and where the Backmuir herd secured the Reserve Overall Supreme Championship with Sterling FCUK Impuls. Established in 2018, the Backmuir herd now features some 80 pedigree Simmental cows and is already an increasingly prolific herd in both the sale and show ring. Commenting after the judging a delighted Reece Simmers said: “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet but it’s a tremendous honour to win the Simmental Supreme Championship at what is the blue riband show in Scotland and with such a rich history. The standard of competition here within the breed and from fellow exhibitors is really high. To come through that and win the Championship is just fantastic and quite humbling.”
Of Islavale Lullaby, Reece Simmers continued: “Islavale Lullaby was bought as a new bloodline and as an investment in the future of Backmuir Simmentals. We are really pleased with how she has come on and very much hope that she will be a cornerstone female in the herd.” Mr Simmers noted that Islavale Lullaby had been served by the herd’s 18,000gns stock bull Wolfstar Jackaroo who was purchased at Stirling in February 2020.
It was very much a Simmental ladies’ day and taking the Reserve Female Championship and the Overall Reserve Supreme Championship was Annick Ginger’s Lucia from the herd of the late Lachlan Quarm, Holehouse Farm, By Irvine, Ayrshire. February 2020 born this heifer, by herd sire Wolfstar Golddigger and out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger VG 88, placed second in her class to the Overall Supreme before following her all the way through to the Championship places. Following a string of wins at local and regional shows this summer, a strong Annick team at the Highland saw the herd pick up the Reserve Overall; the Reserve Female; the Reserve Junior female; and along with two first prizes, two seconds, and a third in the classes, and a reserve in the group of three. The Annick group comprised of Annick Trixibelle 29th; Annick Desiree’s Midnight; and the young bull Annick Maximus 21. The 2022 show season is providing a showcase for the Annick herd which is set to be fully dispersed at United Auctions Stirling Market on Saturday 10th September and following the sad passing of Lachlan Quarm last year.
Male Champion Drumsleed Legacy
Lifting the Male Championship was Gerald and Morag Smith, Drumsleed, Fordoun, Laurencekirk with their April 2020 born bull Drumsleed Legacy 20. This bull is by the herd’s stock bull Wolfstar Gordy, who himself has had sons up to 11,000gns, and is out of Drumsleed Farina 14. No stranger to the showring herself, Drumsleed Farina has twice been Reserve Champion at the Simmental Scottish National Show and her last son sold for 11,000gns. For the 100 cow Drumsleed herd, the Male Championship was secured for the second year in a row with Drumsleed Hivy having won this accolade, along with the Overall Simmental title, at last year’s 2021 Royal Highland Showcase event. Fantastic supporters of the Royal Highland since 1983, the Drumsleed herd have secured numerous titles including three Overall Supremes in 1998, 2002, 2010, and the showcase event in 2021.
Overall Junior, Junior Male and Overall Reserve Male Denizes Monty
Another bull to secure a bounty of prizes was Denizes Monty from MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Near Leyland, Lancashire. This January 2021 born bull placed first in his class of thirteen young bulls, the largest on the day, before moving through the gears to take the Overall Junior Championship; Junior Male; and Overall Reserve Male Championship titles. Full of breeding and performance figures, Denizes Monty is by Denizes Hamish who has sold bulls up to 9,500gns and with his first eleven sons having averaged 6000gns. He is out of Denizes Trixi-Belle 6th who herself has had sons up to 10,000gns. Again strong supporters of the Royal Highland, the Denizes herd have had a strong last six years at the full show which have seen them win three Supremes, an Overall Junior & Reserve Male; a Reserve Male; and with Michael Barlow himself judging in the other year. Next stop for Denizes Monty will see him take aim at the October 2022 Stirling Simmental Bull Sale.
Reserve Junior Male Corskie Mikah
Taking the Reserve Junior Male Championship was the January 2021 born Corskie Mikah from Mr WJ&J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers. This young bull placed second in his class to the Junior Male Champion, and again in the day’s largest class, before following him through to the Reserve position. Corskie Mikah is by Kilbride Farm Haka and is out of Corskie Elissa VG 88 who is a Dirnanean Bradley 10 EX 93 daughter. Later in the day the Corskie herd picked up the Group of Three award with Corskie Mikah being joined by the heifers Corskie Mimic and Corskie London.
Back in the females and winning the Junior Female Championship and Overall Junior Reserve was Brandane Millie from the herd of Jimmy McMillan, The Beeches, Back Lane, Bradwell Ash, Bury St Edmunds. A well-known figure in Simmental show and sale rings around the UK over a prolonged number of years, this was Jimmy McMillan’s first time showing at the Royal Highland on his own behalf. No stranger to the winners’ circle, Jimmy has been at the halter of a number of Supreme Champions at the Highland and including for such noted herds as Darsham and Sterling respectively. On this occasion Brandane Millie is out of Sterling Candy’s FCUK, a female bought at the Sterling Sale, and whose first calf was the aforementioned Sterling FCUK Impuls, the Simmers 2019 RHAS Reserve Supreme Champion. Sired by the AI bull Sterling Gino 15, this young heifer is February 2021 born. With a show record behind her already, Brandane Millie was Reserve Interbreed at Suffolk Show and will now move on to the Royal Norfolk. The longer-term intention is to enter Brandane Millie into this year’s Next Generation II Sale at Carlisle in December.
Heathbrow Koko StarHeathbrow Girlie’s Ivy
A first time and welcome exhibitor in Simmental classes at the Royal Highland Show was David & Lesley Sapsed, all the way from High Heath Farm, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Their long journey met with reward when securing two red tickets in the classes. First up was the April 2019 born Heathbrow Koko Star, last year’s Supreme Champion at the Great Yorkshire, and who won the class for Females calved before 3 years or due to calve before 3 years old, in Milk, or in calf born in 2019. The Sapseds’ second first prize winner was for Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy who secured the Female born in 2017 or 2018 in Milk or certified in Calf at the time of Show.
Marks & Spencer Beefbreeder Champion Blackford Local Hero
Rolling on to the second day Friday 24th June and the Simmental breed secured the first beef Interbreed of the show when winning not only the Marks & Spencer Beefbreeder title but landing both the Champion and Reserve positions. This Interbreed title takes into account a combination of the animal’s conformation and performance figures. Winning the Interbreed, in front of judge Michael Durno, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, was the December 2020 born Blackford Local Hero (P) from the noted Mr WG MacPherson (A FIRM), Blackford Farm, Croy, Inverness. This young polled bull is by the show sire Heathbrow Important (P), and is out of Blackford Echo VG 86, a Curlieu Knight daughter. This is another bull that will now be aimed at the Stirling Simmental October 2022 Bull Sale. For the MacPhersons, this latest win made it a nap hand of five Interbreed wins over the years with Simmentals in the Marks & Spencer Beefbreeder competition. Lifting the Reserve was the previously mentioned Corskie Mikah from WJ & J Green.
Judge Joe Wilson of Ballinalare Farm herd
To common acclaim it was great to be back at the Royal Highland Show and a big thank you and congratulations are extended to all the prize winners and exhibitors, and to the Simmental judge for the day for a job very well done, Mr Joe Wilson.
2022 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW SIMMENTAL RESULTS 262 Female born on or after 1st April 2021 1st Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop Mamma Mia 2nd Mr J McMillan Brandane Mint 3rd Mr W J & J Green Corskie Millie
Rockytop Mamma Mia
263 Female born between 1st January & 31st March 2021 1st Mr J McMillan Brandane Millie 2nd Mr W J & J Green Corskie M-Enna 3rd Mr L D Quarm Annick Desiree’s Midnight
264 Female born on or between 1st January & 30th June 2020 1st Mr L D Quarm Annick Icicle’s Leah 2nd Mr W J & J Green Corskie London 3rd Reece & Andrew Simmers Islavale Viva 8
Annick Icicle’s Leah
265 Female born on or between 1st January & 30th June 2020 1st Reece & Andrew Simmers Islavale Lullaby 2nd Mr L D Quarm Annick Ginger’s Lucia 3rd Mr J McMillan Brandane Lu-Lu
266 Female calved before 3 years or due to calve before 3 years old, in milk or in calf born in 2019 1st D A & L A Sapsed Heathbrow Koko Star 2nd Mr L D Quarm Annick Islay’s Kiwi 3rd Reece & Andrew Simmers Rathnashan Legsfirst
267 Female born in 2017 or 2018 in milk or certified in calf at time of show 1st D A & L A Sapsed Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy 2nd Mr L D Quarm Annick Desiree’s Joy
Blackford Hyalite
268 Female born on or before 31st December 2016 in milk or certified in calf at time of show 1st Mr W G MacPherson Blackford Hyalite 2nd Mr L D Quarm Annick Colleen’s Ginger
269 Bull born on or after 1st April 2021 1st Gavin Brown Springfield Medallion 21 2nd Gavin Brown Springfield Major 21 3rd James McKay Wightman Coxhill Master 21
Springfield Medallion
270 Bull born on or between 1st January & 31st March 2021 1st M A Barlow & Sons Denizes Monty 21 2nd Mr W J & J Green Corskie Mikah 21 3rd Gavin Brown Islavale Jackpot 21
271 Bull born on or between 1st January & 31st December 2020 1st Mr G W Smith Drumsleed Legacy 20 2nd Crudie Farming Company Clonagh Matador 3rd Mr W G MacPherson Blackford Local Hero 20
SP1 Best Junior Female Mr J McMillan Brandane Millie
SP2 Reserve Junior Female Mr L D Quarm Annick Icicle’s Leah
SP3 Best Female Reece & Andrew Simmers Islavale Lullaby
SP4 Reserve Female Mr L D Quarm Annick Ginger’s Lucia
SP5 Best cow with calf at food, to be judged as a pair D A & L A Sapsed Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy
SP6 Best Junior Bull M A Barlow & Sons Denizes Monty 21
SP7 Reserve Junior Bull Mr W J & J Green Corskie Mikah 21
SP8 Best Bull Mr G W Smith Drumsleed Legacy 20
SP9 Reserve Bull M A Barlow & Sons Denizes Monty 21
SP10 Breeder of Best Bull Mr G W Smith
SP11 Best Junior Animal M A Barlow & Sons Denizes Monty 21
See the latest market briefs here as Simmental bred cattle continue to top commercial sales in UK markets.
Gisburn’s store cattle sale on 18th June saw Simmental steers featuring in the top prices at £1660 for Simmental x from P Coates Farmer Ltd.
At Thainstone on 17th June, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sale of adult breeding cattle was dominated by Simmental entries at the top end of prices. Cow with Bull Calf (30) sold to £3,150 for a Simmental from Suttieside Farm, Forfar. Cow with Heifer Calf (22) sold to £2,800 for a Simmental cross from Suttieside Farm. In Calf Heifer (6) sold to £2,300 for a Simmental from Suttieside Farm.
On Friday 17th June, at Hexham & Northern Marts store cattle sale, 11-16 month old cattle (picture) were led by Simmental x steers at £1360 from Hartley West, with others from the same home at £1280, £1250 & £1200.
At Frome’s store cattle sale on 17th June, quality bred and reared Simmentals met a fast trade with steers selling to £1478 (only 22mo) from Anthony & Nigel Gallop, IOW. Fleckvieh steers also a highlight selling to £1350 (28mo) from Peter Gould & family.
Cull bulls sold to a top of 219.5p/kg and £1633 for a Simmental from E Rossall, Preesall at Lancaster Livestock Auction on 17th June.
At Aberdeen & Northern Marts sale on 16th June on behalf of Orkney consignors young bulls sold to £1,690 gross and 198.8p per kg for an 850kg Simmental from G W & E T Wilson, Howequoy, St Marys. The store cattle sale at Hallworthy on 16th June saw Mrs P Maunder of Landrake sell a run of pure Simmental steers, non-assured topping at £1505 and a second bunch to £1300. Cows and calves topped out at £1280 for a Hereford Cow with Simmental Bull Calf
On Wednesday 15th June at Carlisle, Harrison & Hetherington had 975 cattle forward at their weekly sale comprising of 303 Store Cattle, 248 store bulls and weanlings. Featuring in the top prices, Simmental heifers from Rose Farm topped at £1700. In the bulls Simmentals sold to £1280 (x2) for Waterloo Farm.
On 15th June at Frome, lighter Simmental UTM steers sold to 226.50p/kg or 224.50p/kg from KF Romain, Midsomer Norton. Cull bulls sold well with Simmentals topping at 181.50p/kg from C Tucker, Devizes.
At Dungannon Farmer’s Mart on 15th June, store prices remained steady. Fat Cows sold to £950 for a 625kg Sim (152.00).
The sale of store cattle on 15th June at Market Drayton saw trade still marching forward at a pace. The breeding stock forward topped at £1,780 for a Simmental cow and Limousin calf from Mr Richard E. Hares, Burleydam.
At Truro Livestock Market’ store sale on 15th June, year old steer stores sold to £1020 for a smart Simmental x from Mr D G Hawkey of Crantock, Newquay.
At Hexham’s primestock sale on 14th June, the top grossing cow came from Mr R Maughan, Greencarts with a Simmental cross realising £1680.63
On Monday 13th June 2022 Harrison & Hetherington held their weekly sale of Primestock at Carlisle. Beef cast cows saw an increased number of 318 cast cows and stock bulls on offer with a great ringside of buyers ensuring a great trade again. Brett Corcoran, Newton Stewart, sold the top priced Simmental cow for 970kg, 203.5ppk or £1973 to Messrs Roberts. Messrs Gwynne, Castlewigg Farm run of Simmental cows topped at 919kg, 213.5ppk or £1962 to Mr Michael Helliwell.
At Market Drayton’s sale on 13th June the trade for sucklers was led by Mr Bob Yeomans & Family, New Street Lane with Simmentals to 213p (£1,776.42).
United Auctions on Wednesday 8th June 2022 at Stirling sold 418 store & native bred cattle and young bulls, 228 breeding cattle & 169 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. Young Bulls sold to £1680 for a SimX from Holehouse.
In the sale of cull cows at Truro Livestock Market on 8th June, beef cows sold to 194p/kg for a classy 769kg Simmental x from Mr D G Kitchen of Nancegollan, Helston, purchased by David King of Exeter. At Skipton’s store cattle sale on 8th June, Simmentals led the breed averages for feeding bulls at £1250, with the sale average being £1186. Simmental prices included:£1450; £1200; £1190 RD Elliott; £1400; £1370; £1200 EB Webster; and £1290 A Rowley.
At Selby on 8th June, the trade for cows was led by a 764kg Sim cow at 245.5 from H Thompson
Melton Mowbray’s store and breeding cattle sale on 8th June the breeding section topped by Luke Massie with his Simmental x Cow and Hereford x Calf away to £1200, as LW Simons, Hose saw £1500 for his Simmental Stock Bull. In the stores, heifers from weekly supporter, GW Swales & Son topped at £1150 for Simmental x at 20 months, with more from the same home reaching £1100 and £1035. JW Peacock over with the Norfolk bus saw highs of £1125 for a whopping Simmental x Steer at only 12 months.
At Market Drayton’s store cattle sale on 8th June, yarding cattle were a dream to sell. Topping at £1,590 was a Simmental steer from Mr John Oakes, Hassall.
C&D Auction Marts Ltd held their special June sale of breeding and store cattle on Tuesday 7th June 2022 at Longtown Market. A fantastic run of 50 Simmental and Limousin cross heifers consigned by Dalmahoy Farms, Dalmahoy, Midlothian, topped at £1,020 for a pen of Simmental x heifers with several further penful’s of cattle breaking over £1000+
On 6th June, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 108 Store Cattle, and 45 Breeding Cattle. Heifers averaged 221.7p per kg to 259p for 307kg Simmental crosses from Myrelandhorn (Miller). On 6th June, Lawrie and Symington had forward 100 cattle comprising of 31 bullocks and heifers, 69 cast cows at Lanark Market. Simmental beef cows from Richard McCulloch, Overhill House sold to £2240, and £1920.
A good entry of 68 prime steers and heifers at Carlisle on Monday 6th June saw the days top overall price of £2161.17 for an 814kgs Simmental cross steer from Messrs Harrington, Hoskett Hill, Carlisle. At United Auctions sale of store and breeding cattle at Dalmally on 4th June, breeding cattle sold to £1900 for a SimX heifer & bull calf from D Dempster, Barguillean Farm.
At Dingwall & Highland Marts sale of prime cattle on 4th June, prime heifers averaged 247.6p sold to 251.0p per kg and £1,681.70 gross for a 670kg Simmental cross both from The Cloy, Fortrose. Aberdeen and Northern Marts on Friday 3rd June 2022 held a sale of adult breeding cattle. In-Calf heifers sold to £1,400 for a Simmental cross from Boghouse, Tarves. In Calf Cows sold to £1,500 for a Simmental cross from Millfield, Turriff.
At Thainstone on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June sold 24 cattle from Shetland consignors. Store cattle bullocks sold to £990 gross for a 392kg Simmental and 255.2p per kg for a pen of 286kg Simmentals from D G Flaws, Fleck, Dunrossness. Heifers sold to £880 gross for a 382kg Simmental and 244.4p per kg for a 356kg Simmental from S Ridland, Berga, Wester Skeld.
On June 2nd, Aberdeen & Northern Marts held a sale on behalf of Orkney consignors. Young Bulls Sold to £1,7901.55 gross and 207p per kg for a 865kg Simmental from Millburn Farms, Harray. Prime Cattle sold to £1,643.40 gross and 249p per kg for a 660kg Simmental Heifer from K D Eunson, Braebuster. On the same day at a sale of prime cattle, young bulls sold to 219p per kg and £1,790.55 gross for a 865kg Simmental from Millburn, Harray.
On Thursday 2nd June at Stirlings Caledonian Mart, prime bullocks sold to £1828 for a Simmental from J & J Brown, Loanrigg, Slamannan.
Hallworthy on 2nd June saw a super entry of 75 stirks penned for the Queens Jubilee bank holiday, with a trade fit for a Queen! Jimmy Paul of Newquay had a superb run of quality stirks and topped the market at £825 for a Simmental Steer (10m).
At Carlisle on Wednesday 1st June, Harrison & Hetherington had 1164 cattle forward at their weekly sale. A seasonal offering of 370 store cattle forward saw all classes being exceptionally dear. Strong cattle saw Messrs Stamper, Rose Farm, Dearham dominate at the top end selling Simmental heifers to £1900.
At Dungannon Farmer’s on 1st June, all sizes of stock continued to sell briskly with dropped calves sold to £430 for a Simm bull.
On 31st May at Lanark Market, Lawrie and Symington Ltd sold 267 Store Cattle at their fortnightly sale. 147 bullocks sold to a top of £1465 for a 590kg Simmental from Whitehill, or to 286.2p for a 276kg Simmental from Skipness Est, to average 244.1p/pkg.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts on Friday 27th May sold 652 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves. Bulls sold to £1,580 gross for a 698kg Simmental from Delfur Farms, Rothes. On Friday 27TH May at Carlisle, Harrison and Hetherington held their monthly Beef Breeding sale at Borderway Mart. A great entry of 330 cows and heifers with calves at foot was on offer on Friday at Carlisle with the ring being full to the rafters. Messrs Barclay, South Road sold a Simmental cross cow and calf for £4000 to lead the cows and calves.
At Stirling on 25th May, United Auctions sold 528 store cattle, native bred cattle and young bulls and 133 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. Bullocks (245) sold to £1440 for a 576kg SimX from Gladhouse Mains. Heifers (257) sold to £1700 for a 718kg SimX from Burnhead. Beef Cows and Bulls (101) averaged 184.23p to 227.60p per kg for a SimX from Lochlane. Out of Spec Cattle (8)- averaged 187.69p to 233.90p per kg for a SimX from Coxydene, and to £1530 for a SimX from Coxydene.
On 24th May Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 214 Head of Adult Breeding Cattle. Cows with bull calves sold to £1,880 for a Simmental cross with Charolais cross from Dallasbroughty, Dunphail. Cows with heifer calves sold to £1,820 for a Simmental with Simmental cross from Rhuarden, Croftronan.
The Simmental judging has taken place at Builth Wells this morning and our Judge and Society treasurer Chris Martindale of the Forsdale Simmenal herd has chosen his winners.
Judge Chris Martindale
Our Royal Welsh show supreme and female champion is the February 2021-born Gwili Melody 2. Exhibited by Callum Croft, Pontarddulais, Swansea and bred by Mr M K Beynon, Pontarddulais, Swansea, she is sired by the Irish bred Coose Jericho and bred out of Gwili Emma.
The reserve supreme and reserve female champion is Mr A Davies’ Hirwaun Lemon & Lime from Cardigan, Ceredigion. This August 2020-born heifer is out of the Irish-born Mainview Jezabel, and sired by the AI bull Team Celtic 11, who has bred almost 350 sons and daughters into the National herd.
Male Champion – Bannhill Farm Lord
The male champion is Bannhill Farm Lord, a February 2020-born bull sired by Saltire Impressive 17 and bred out of Ballinalare Farm Fuscia. Exhibited by Mr and Mrs M O and L D Jones, Llanfynydd, Carmarthenshire, he was bred by Alan Wilson, Rathfriland, Co Down.
Reserve Male Champion – Penwern Merlin
Mr & Mrs Jones, had an exceptional day, also being awarded the reserve male championship for their bull Penwern Merlin, a 15-month-old son of the 15,000gns Cairnview Snazzy and Deerhurst Helen 16, who was bred by Mr R W Jenkins, Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion.
Class 491 – Bull, born on or before 31 December 2020 1 – M.O. & L.D. Jones – Bannhill Farm Lord 20. S. Saltire Impressive 17
Class 493 – Bull, born on or after 01 Apr 2021 1 – M.O. & L.D. Jones – Penwern Merlin 21. S. Cairnview Snazzy
Class 496 – Cow, in calf or with calf at foot born on or before 31 Dec 2017 1 – M.O. & L.D. Jones – Dyfed Foxy Lady 2nd – S. Oakdale Elijah 13 & her calf at foot Dyfed Noblett 22 – S. Ballinalare Farm Galaxy 15
Class 500 – Heifer, born on or between 01 Jan 2020 and 31 Aug 2020 1 – Mr Aled Davies – Hirwaun Lemon & Lime – S. Team Celtic 11
Class 502 – Heifer, born on or after 01 Jan 2021 1 – Croft livestock – Gwili Melody 2 – S. Coose Jericho 2 – Mr Huw James – Mwnt Mwynwen – S. Eifed Kruger 19
Male Champion M.O. & L.D. Jones – Bannhill Farm Lord 20. S. Saltire Impressive 17 Reserve Male Champion M.O. & L.D. Jones – Penwern Merlin 21. S. Cairnview Snazzy
Junior Male Champion M.O. & L.D. Jones – Penwern Merlin 21. S. Cairnview Snazzy
Group of Four – Gwili Melody 2, Mwnt Mwynwen, Penwern Merlin & Hirwaun Lemon & Lime
Best group of four, any sex, not necessarily bred by exhibitor. At least one animal in the group must be exhibited by an exhibitor living in Wales Gwili Melody 2, Mwnt Mwynwen, Penwern Merlin & Hirwaun Lemon & Lime
Pair – Penwyn Merlin & Dyfed Foxy Lady with calf Dyfed Noblett
Best pair male or female or mixed, owned but not necessarily bred by the exhibitor. Penwyn Merlin & Dyfed Foxy Lady with calf Dyfed Noblett
‘A superb heifer and the type of animal that every pedigree herd owner aspires to breed’, is how Scottish judge and BSCS President Stewart Stronach described Ashland Topaz Lopez, the Supreme Overall Champion at the NI National Simmental Show held within the Armagh County Show on Saturday 11th June.
Frank Kelly, Tempo, exhibted Ashland Topaz Lopez, the female and supreme overall champion at the NI National Simmental Show, held at the 175th Armagh County Show. Picture: Mullagh Photography
Born in September 2020 Ashland Topaz Lopez was bred by Pat Kelly, and son Frank, from Tempo, County Fermanagh. She is a daughter of the 14,000gns Saltire Impressive, and is bred from the Ashland Brandy daughter, Ashland Topaz 2nd, one of ten cows in the herd.
Stewart Stronach added: “The Female and Supreme Champion is an exceptional heifer. She is very correct, square and long, and has great breed character and ring presence. This is a once in a lifetime heifer!”
Ashland Topaz Lopez was Senior Champion at the inaugural Four-Breeds Calf Show at Dungannon last November. Her latest success comes hot on the heels of winning the Simmental Championship, Beef Performance Heifer Interbreed Championship, and the Reserve Interbreed honours at Balmoral Show in May.
Stewart Stronach, who runs the 160-cow Islavale Herd alongside a 40-cow commercial enterprise, said it was a great honour to judge the NI National Show.
“It has been an amazing show, with quality entries in all classes. I have really enjoyed judging, and I’d like to thank the exhibitors for putting on such a great show. One of the highlights for me was the pairs class. Seven top-quality pairs filled the ring, and it was a tremendous spectacle. The Simmental breed is definitely in good hands in Northern Ireland!”
Principal sponsors Mark Forsythe and Rodney Brown, Danske Bank, and Scottish judge Stewart Stronach, president, British Simmental Cattle Society, congratulate Frank Kelly on winning the supreme championship, and Shane McDonald, winner of the reserve championship at the NI National Show, held at Armagh.
The one-day event, held in conjunction with the 175th Armagh County Show attracted a good turnout of exhibitors and spectators from across the Province and further afield.
The Kelly family’s Ashland prefix was also behind the breeding of the Junior Champion, Reserve Female and Reserve Supreme Champion Ashland Topaz Mair. Born in January 2021, this heifer was purchased privately last autumn by brothers Shane and Paul McDonald for their Tempo-based Coolcran Herd.
Again sired by Saltire Impressive, this one is bred from the Whitemire King Kong daughter Ashland Topaz 3rd – maternal sister to the dam of the Supreme Champion. She was Junior Champion at Balmoral Show, and went on to secure the Reserve Junior Interbreed honours.
Stewart Stronach commented: “This is another very correct and stylish heifer. Similar to the Champion, there isn’t much between them.”
Shane and Paul McDonald had a memorable day at the NI National Show, also chalking up the Male Championship and Reserve Junior award with the home-bred bull Coolcran Maximus.
Coolcran Maximus, male Champion and Reserve Junior Champion
This September 2021 bull is by Wolfstar Elusive, and is bred from the Ashland Brandy daughter Coolcran Lady Erin – Reserve Female Champion at Balmoral Show in 2015.
“The is a super young bull with a lot of potential for the future. He boasts great shape and length, and is square over the plates,” added the judge.
Claiming the Reserve Male Championship was Ballinalare Farm Mack, a yearling entry bred by Joe and Alan Wilson, Rathfriland. He is by the 8,200 Euro stock bull Rabawn Ernie, and is out of a home-bred dam by the 20,000gns Stirling junior and supreme champion Auchorachan Wizard. This young bull also secured the reserve male title at Balmoral Show.
“Another wide and correct young bull. There is very little between the male champions,” concluded Stewart Stronach.
The young handlers’ classes were judged by Fiona Sutherland. The top placed junior handler was Jamie Dodd from the Craigy Herd based at Saintfield. The senior handling class was won by Thomas Mcaliser from the Ranfurly Herd in Dungannon.
Junior Handler class winner, Jamie Dodd with Judge Fiona Sutherland and Trevor Nesbitt, Fane Valley Stores; Picture: Mullagh Photography
Thomas Mcalister, Dungannon, won the senior handler class at the NI National Simmental Show. He was congratulated by judge Fiona Sutherland, Scotland; and Trevor Nesbitt, Fane Valley Stores. Picture: Mullagh Photography
NI Simmental Club Chairman Keith Nelson thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the show. “Special mention to our judges, Armagh County Show, principal sponsor Danske Bank, and the numerous agri businesses and local companies who sponsored the various classes at the show.”
Results from the judging ring…
SPECIALS
Supreme Overall Champion: Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez. Reserve: Shane and Paul McDonald: Ashland Topaz Mair.
Female Champion: Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez. Reserve: Shane and Paul McDonald: Ashland Topaz Mair.
Male Champion: Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus. Reserve: Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Mack.
Junior Champion: Shane and Paul McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair. Reserve: Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus.
DANI Rosebowl, for the best performance recorded bull: Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus.
Premier Exhibitor, sponsored by Moocall: Shane and Paul McDonald.
CLASSES
Cow, any age, sponsored by Biocell Agri Ltd – 1, Gavin Hayes and Sons, Corbally Goddess by Hillcrest Champion.
Senior heifer, born between 01/01/20 and 30/06/20, sponsored by Thompsons – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Ladybird by Denizes Fantastic; 2, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Lizabel by Denizes Fantastic.
Intermediate heifer, born between 01/07/20 and 31/12/20, sponsored by ABP Food Group – 1, Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez by Saltire Impressive; 2, David and Jonny Hazelton, Ranfurly Stella 12th by Whitemire King Kong; 3, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Lollipop by Dermotstown Delboy; 4th Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Lucky Lady by Denizes Hamish.
Junior heifer, born between 01/01/21 and 30/03/21, sponsored by Noel Kilpatrick Financial Services – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair by Saltire Impressive; 2, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Marigold by Omorga Jaguar; 3, Brian O’Hare, Clonguish Nova by Raceview King; 4, Keith Nelson, Scribby Farms Matilda by Dermotstown Delboy.
Junior heifer, born between 01/05/21 and 31/08/21, sponsored by Yara Fertilisers – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Medusa by Ballinalare Farm Galaxy; 2, Keith Nelson, Scribby Farms Molly by Atlow Dixon; 3, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Majesty 2nd by Kilbride Farm Bantry; 4, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Moneypenny 2nd by Denizes Fantastic.
Junior heifer, born between 01/09/21 and 31/12/21, sponsored by T-Met – 1, David and Jonny Hazelton, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st by Auchorachan Hercules; 2, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Mystic Royal Beauty by Islavale Echo 2; 3, Mrs E O’Neill, Drumcoote Sasha by Curaheen Drifter.
Junior bull, born between 01/01/21 and 30/04/21, sponsored by Animax – 1, Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Martin by Saltire Impressive; 2, William Dodd, Craigy Max by Longbeach Darius.
Junior bull, born between 01/05/21 and 31/08/21, sponsored by George Hamilton Machinery – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Mack by Rabawn Ernie; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Magnificent; 3, Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Mick by Saltire Impressive; 4, Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Mark by Saltire Impressive.
Junior bull, born between 01/09/21 and 31/12/21, sponsored by IrwinsFeed – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus by Wolfstar Elusive; 2, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Major by Saltire Impressive; 3, Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Mr Magic by Denizes Hamish; 4, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Maximus by Saltire Impressive.
Bull calf, born in 2022, sponsored by British Simmental CattleSociety – 1, Mark Cutler, Gortdonaghy Norman by Anatrim Bodybuilder; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Nevada by Mullyknock Gallant.
Pair, property of exhibitor, sponsored by Countyside Services – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair and Coolcran Maximus; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Magnificent and Hiltonstown McGregor; 3, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Majesty 2nd and Ballinalare Farm Medusa; 4, Keith Nelson, Scribby Farms Matilda and Scribby Farms Molly.
YOUNG HANDLERS
Young handler, aged 8 to 12 years-old, sponsored by Fane Valley Stores – 1, Jamie Dodd; 2, Rhys Rodgers; 3, Phelim O’Rourke; 4, Joseph McKearney.
Young handler, aged 13 to 18 years-old, sponsored by Fane Valley Stores – 1, Thomas McAlister; 2, Erin Nelson.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement
1 year
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Recent Comments