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28,000GNS BANNHILL FARM BULL LEADS THE WAY AT STIRLING AS STRONG SIMMENTAL DEMAND SEES A NEW BREED RECORD AVERAGE

28,000GNS BANNHILL FARM BULL LEADS THE WAY AT STIRLING AS STRONG SIMMENTAL DEMAND SEES A NEW BREED RECORD AVERAGE

by | Feb 22, 2023 | 2023, 2023 News, 2023 Stirling Sales, 2023 Northern Ireland News

• 97 bulls average a new February record of £7,260, up £425 on the year
• Clearance rate of 88% with eight more bulls sold on the year
• 28,000gns bull sets a new Northern Ireland Simmental record
• Two bulls break the 20,000gns mark with twenty bulls in all at 9,000gns and over
• Bulls sell to all four home nations, and with nine heading to Orkney

There was a snap, crackle, and record-breaking pop to the Simmental Bull Sale at United Auctions, Stirling, on Monday 21st February, with some fierce bidding from start to finish generating a new breed record average at this fixture of £7,260, up by £425 on the year and for 97 bulls sold, up by eight on the year. With commercial breeders again going head-to-head with pedigree breeders for the quality bulls on offer, the sale continued the surge in demand for Simmentals with this being the fourth Stirling fixture, and fifth Society Sale, in a row where a new record mark has been set.

Supreme Champion & Top Priced Bull Banhill Farm Masterpiece – 28,000gns

Leading the sale at 28,000gns, and setting a new record top price for a Simmental bull from Northern Ireland, was the stylish Bannhill Farm Masterpiece from Alan Wilson, Rathfriland, Co Down. In the pre-sale show, in front of the judge Colin Fordyce who runs the Blair herd at Islabank Farm, Meigle, Blairgowrie, and is also herd manager at Strathisla Farms, this June born bull won the Intermediate section before going on to lift the Overall Supreme title. Commenting on his champion, Colin Fordyce said: “This is a typical and modern Simmental bull with a lot of class. He had tremendous length with plenty of shape but is not extreme. Really good across the plates, he had good legs, walked well, and really showed himself. A quality bull and a worthy champion from within a strong show of Simmentals.”

Come sale time, there was a tingle in the air as Bannhill Farm Masterpiece raced through the gears before reaching 28,000gns and being knocked down to Noel Kilpatrick who runs the Ballymoney pedigree herd at Banbridge, Co Down. Of his purchase a delighted Mr Kilpatrick said: “This is the best Simmental bull that I have seen since I purchased Saltire Impressive back in 2018. I couldn’t find a fault on him. He is a great walker with a good back end, plenty of length and a lovely head, just very pleasing on the eye. People might ask, why is a man with 26 breeding females spending this kind of money on a bull, and I say that it’s because I want the best quality bull to enhance my herd! The aim from here is that Masterpiece will go straight to stud, while I wait to bring him home. The bull has been purchased in partnership with Bartley Finnegan of Elite Pedigree Genetics and we will be making his semen available throughout the UK as soon as possible. A further aim is to produce sexed semen to target the dairy industry which is important in the trade in Northern Ireland.”

Bannhill Farm Masterpiece is sired by the 12,000gns AI bull Kilbride Farm Bantry and is the fifth calf bred out of his dam Ballinalare Farm Evita, a full sister to the noted Ballinalare Farm Galaxy she is by the 21,000gns Auchorachan Wizard. This breeding line has seen success at Stirling previously with Mr Wilson selling Masterpiece’s full brother Ballinalare Farm Legacy at the corresponding sale last year for 10,000gns.

Reserve Junior Champion Hiltonstown Matrix – 20,000gns

It was a terrific day for Northern Irish breeders with the top two prices both coming from the province and further five figure bulls from NI herds selling throughout the sale. Selling at 20,000gns was the much admired Reserve Junior Champion Hiltonstown Matrix from Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, County Antrim. September 2021 born, this calf is by the noted sire Saltire Impressive and is out of the Kilbride Farm Warren daughter Hiltonstown India Rose GP 83. Full of style and breeding, Hiltonstown Matrix also had good performance figures, being in the top 5% of the breed for 400 and 600 day growth, and having a +7 figure for Maternal (Milk). Purchasing this bull was Ross King for the family’s noted Wolfstar pedigree herd at Ormiston, East Lothian, who themselves had enjoyed a hugely successful sale when selling four quality bulls to gross over £43,000. Wolfstar run 180 cows, 60 of which make up the pedigree herd, and the 20,000gns price is the highest they have paid for a Simmental bull to date. Commenting, Ross King said: “We’ve been looking for a bull for a wee while and are delighted to get Hiltonstown Matrix. He’s a young bull with plenty of length, tremendous fleshing qualities, and just full of flash and style. His pedigree adds new lines to our herd, he carries very balanced performance figures, and we think he’ll complement our type of cows. It’s a significant price but a bull of this quality is an investment in the future of the herd and to take that next step forward.”

Speaking after the sale Rhys Rodgers said “I am extremely pleased with the sale, with both of my bulls making top prices. The 20,000gns is a record price for the Hiltonstown herd and eclipsing the 17,000gns for Hiltonstown Dominic, who was sold in October 2013. Matrix oozed style from day one and we’ve long thought he had that x-factor, so it’s great to realise such a trade at the sale and for him to go to a top herd. We look to breed red muscular bulls with power and length, and both Matrix and our other bull Magnificent we think typify these attributes”. Later in the day the July 2021 born calf Hiltonstown Magnificent, a Dermotstown Delboy son, made 9,000gns when selling to A Bell & Co, Towie Farm, Fraserburgh.

Hiltonstown Magnificent – 9,000gns

Over the course of the two days there had been a tangible buzz around the Simmental lines with a tremendous crowd at the pre-sale show and a packed ring come sale time. The sale itself reflected this with a fierce trade from start to finish realising a new record average for this February fixture and a high clearance rate of 88%. Speaking after the sale Iain Kerr the general manager of the British Simmental Cattle Society said: “It’s been a tremendous sale and well done to the breeders for bringing forward a great show of bulls full of choice and quality for commercial producers, and with breeders’ bulls as well. Bulls with length and width, good tops, square over the plates with a depth of muscle down the thigh, and with good locomotion, were readily sought and easily sold.”

“There’s a bounce in demand for the Simmental breed driven by commercial producers. We were delighted with positive feedback and approval from buyers in the Society’s recent breed survey, and this is also being backed up the strong run of bull and female sales that we’ve seen. The milk and maternal qualities of the breed are well established and add to the Simmentals ability to produce fast growing calves with tremendous weaning weights, and with superior age to slaughter. It’s a low input, high output breed and that efficiency and performance is giving value and profit to producers.”

The sale saw twenty bulls in all sell over the 9,000gns mark and with bulls finding their way to buyers from all four home countries. Orkney has been a strong market for Simmental bulls and featured again with nine heading to the island.

Junior Champion Islavale Mufasa – 16,000gns

Selling at 16,000gns was the Junior Champion in the shape of Islavale Mufasa from the Stronach family, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. This October 2021 born bull is from a strong breeding line with both parents being classified as EX93. Mufasa is sired by the successful herd sire Corskie Highlander EX 93, who has bred other sons to 18,000gns. Mufasa’s dam is Islavale Amanda 2 EX 93 (EX2), who goes back to the Irish-born Clonagh A Super Star. Performance supplementing pedigree, Islavale Musafa is in the breed top ten percent for growth, milk, and self-replacing index. Snapping up this bull was Barker and Borlase, Sacombe Hill Farm, Watton At Stone, Hertfordshire, who run the long established Sacombe and Perrywood herds. Commenting after the sale Bridget Borlase said: “We thought that Islavale Mufasa was a very complete and tidy bull, with nice clean lines and great length. He has breeding in his back pedigree that we are keen to introduce and reintroduce into the herd and as both his sire and dam are EX93, which underpins his structural soundness. He will take over as our sole herd sire and will start work in April, running with around 30 females”. The Islavale team carried on their prolific sale form with ten bulls on the day averaging an excellent £7,245.

Backmuir Moonshine – 15,000gns

The senior section got the sale off to a strong start and featuring within this was the winner of class two Backmuir Moonshine from Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith, Banffshire, who made 15,000gns when selling him to CR Fovargue Bros, Coleorton, Leicestershire. The Fovargues had done their homework pre-sale and followed the bull on the Society’s show coverage before purchasing him over the phone. April 2021 born, Backmuir Moonshine is by the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo, himself a past Stirling champion, and is out of Starline Orlane 35th, a Skerrington Warlord daughter. Backmuir Moonshine’s Terminal Production Index and Self Replacing Index figures of +102 and +109 respectively place him in the top 10% of the breed. A few lots later the Simmers sold Backmuir Mario, another Wolfstar Jackaroo son, for 8,000gns to GW Woolhouse & Sons, Church Farm, Rotherham.

Reserve Supreme Champion Blackford Mars – 14,000gns

The Blackford herd of Mr WG MacPherson, Croy, Inverness-shire, had a strong pen of bulls forward and realised a terrific trade with sales at 14,000gns, 12,000gns and 9,000gns. Leading the trade at 14,000gns was the Reserve Supreme Champion, and Senior Champion Blackford Mars. This May 2021 born bull is by the multiple show champion Heathbrow Important (P) EX 93 and is the third calf to be bred out of Blackford Honey EX 91 dam, who herself goes back to the 16,000gns Hockenhull Waterloo. Commenting on his Reserve Supreme Champion, the judge Colin Fordyce said: “This is just another tremendous Simmental bull. He had a really flashy head that caught the eye and was full of style and presence. Square across the plates he was very correct with good legs and locomotion.” Blackford Mars was purchased by WJ and J Green, Garmouth, Moray-Shire, for their noted Corskie pedigree herd.

Reserve Intermediate Champion Kilbride Farm Morikawa (P) – 14,000gns

Also selling for 14,000gns was the winner of class seven and the Reserve Intermediate Champion in the shape of Kilbride Farm Morikawa (P) from the long established and noted Kilbride Farm herd of WH Robson & Sons, Doagh, County Antrim. July 2021 born, this 19-month-old heterozygous polled calf is by the 16,000gns Islavale Harvest. A heifer’s calf he is bred out of Kilbride Farm Eunice 270 J (PP), who goes back to the 15,000 Euro Curaheen Gunshot (P). This bull was jointly purchased by David and Lesley Sapsed, of the noted Heathbrow pedigree Simmental herd, Codicote, Hertfordshire, and along with Tom Hill, of the Scotland Hill pedigree Simmental herd, Wadworth, Doncaster. The Heathbrow herd will be full dispersing at the Society’s October Sale in Stirling this year and speaking of his purchase David Sapsed said it was made with the sale in mind: “We have been very successful with our home bred herd sire Heathbrow Grandslam. The aim is to change the breeding up a bit and with a view to the sale purchasers of our females will get something different. We have been going down the polled route and with Morikawa’s good homozygous polled mother, and his excellent back pedigree he fitted the bill. He will be with me until the start of the summer and then he will be traveling up to Wadworth to join Tom.” Speaking to Tom Hill after the sale he added: “It was great to go in partnership on this bull with David as Morikawa will come to me in June just when I need him. After initially spotting him in the pen, I was attracted by his figures and conformation. His self-replacing and terminal production index figures place him in the top 10% of the breed which will help me to keep improving my herd of 65 breeding cows, I was looking for a good all round bull that ticked every box. I also liked his back pedigree, his sire in particular, who I bid on when he went through the ring in 2018! We are hoping for around 45 calves or around in his first year so that I have plenty to offer bull buyers at home and in bringing bulls to Stirling.”

Kilbride Farm Merlin – 13,000gns

A further bull from the Robson family, Kilbride Farm Merlin, made 13,000gns when selling to the Overhill House herd of Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian. A second prize winner in the second class of the day, this April 2021 born bull is fully homebred being by Kilbride Farm Jetstream (P) and out of the second calver Kilbride Farm Eunice 249I (TF), a Kilbride Farm Warren daughter. Kilbride Farm Jetstream is a breed trait leader for both calving ease and growth rate. Of his new purchase Richard McCulloch said: “Merlin had good length, head, colour and figures – and particularly calving ease. I am trying to change my Autumn calving pattern, and the aim for Merlin is that he’ll be put to work in March”. The Kilbride Farm herd had a total clearance of their four bulls and grossed £37,800.

Corskie Match – 13,000gns

Topping a good line-up of bulls from the Corskie herd of W J & J Green, Garmouth, Moray, was the 13,000gns paid for the upstanding March 2021 born Corskie Match. This first prize winner in the first class is by the herd’s prolific stock bull Drumagarner Hughes EX 92, and is out of the second calver Corskie Intune VG 86, a daughter of the 22,000gns Dirnanean Bradley EX 93. Another bull with good figures, Corskie Match is in the top 10% Self Replacing Index. Heading to the borders this bull was bought by AC Burke, T/A Nether Stewarton, Eddleston, Peebles, who speaking after the sale said: “I have been using Simmentals on my commercial herd for around 12 years now. With 30 Luings and five Simmental cows, I’m looking to use him on both and with an aim to build up my Simmental numbers and start a pedigree herd. Corskie Match appealed to me as he is a deep well-set bull with a really good red colour, and I look for bulls with good calving ease, milk and 200 day weight.” The Corskie herd sold further bulls on the day at 7,000gns, 6,000gns, and 4,500gns.

Denizes Magic – 12,000gns

Continuing a good run of bulls and prices at Stirling, the Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Ulnes Walton, Lancashire, made 12,000gns when selling the May 2021 born Denizes Magic. Another bull with tremendous length and muscling, Denizes Magic had stood second in his class to the Reserve Supreme Champion. Full of breeding he is another by the prolific Denizes Hamish and is out of Annick Trixibelle, a Skerrington Visa daughter. Full of breeding and figures, Magic featured excellent calving and Maternal (Milk) figures and is from the same family line as the 20,000gns Denizes Monty. This bull was purchased by RI and GI Davies, Llangammarch Wells, Powys and who run a 250 cow Simmental based commercial suckler herd.

Blackford Mosby – 12,000gns

The second five figure bull from the Blackford herd of Mr W G Macpherson, Croy, Inverness-Shire, came in the shape of the 12,000gns Blackford Mosby who stood second in his class to the Reserve Intermediate Champion. August 2021 born, this bull is a son of Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94, and is a heifer’s calf bred out of Blackford Kellie, a daughter of the noted Blackford Galaxy. Another bull heading to the shires in England, Blackford Mosby was purchased by Sam Driver, Chisworth, Derbyshire, for his Sandylane pedigree Simmental herd. Of his purchase Mr Driver said: “This bull stood out to me as soon as I saw him in the show. He walked well and had good figures particularly ease of calving and growth. I didn’t intend to buy one of the top priced bulls, but the bull was full of quality and it was a strong trade! I am trying to create a consistent herd of Simmental cattle and feel that Mosby will help me to achieve this.”

Wolfstar Mustang – 11,000gns
Wolfstar Moves Like Jagger – 11,000gns

A super line up from the 60-cow pedigree Wolfstar herd of Mr A King, Ormiston, East Lothian, saw them attain prices of 11,000gns twice, 10,000gns, and 9,000gns. Consistently bringing top bulls to Stirling, the aim of the herd is to breed first quality bulls for the commercial producer with any bulls going to pedigree herds being a bonus on top. The first of the Wolfstar bulls at 11,000gns was the first prize winner in class three Wolfstar Mustang. May 2021 born, this calf is by Islavale Guy and is out of Wolfstar Hot Fuss, a full sister to Wolfstar Gold Digger who bred well in the Annick herd. Wolfstar Mustang was one of nine bulls on the day who went to Orkney, when purchased by regular buyer GT and S Coghill, Birsay, Orkney. Also at 11,000gns was the third prize Wolfstar Moves Like Jagger. Also May 2021 born this bull is fully homebred being by Wolfstar Ivan (TF), and out of Wolfstar Izzy, a Popes Barclay daughter. Staying close to home this bull was bought by Garvald Mains Farm, Haddington, East Lothian.

Wolfstar Meatball – 10,000gns
Wolfstar Mufasa – 9,000gns

Continuing the Wolfstar run at 10,000gns was Wolfstar Meatball. April 2021-born, Meatball is another by Islavale Guy and is out of the Team Celtic daughter, Wolfstar Flame. Another bull with length and a good top he was purchased by Philiphaugh Estates, Old Mill Farm, Selkirk, who said: “We have been looking at Wolfstar bulls for a long time and were thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase Wolfstar Meatball. He is a big, long, dark coloured bull with good EBV’s, and we think he will fit in nicely for our Simmental/Luing cross herd. We sell the heifers we produce as replacements with a High Health status, while our bulls are finished at 14 months”. Completing a fine day for the Kings, Wolfstar Mufasa made 9,000gns when selling to Luing breeders John Lawrie, Tillyrie Ltd, Milnathort, Kinross. May 2021 born, Mufasa is another by Islavale Guy and is out of Wolfstar Flora, a Team Celtic daughter.

Garmouth Matt – 10,000gns

Sitting alongside the Corskie bulls was Garmouth Matt from Laura Green, Garmouth, Moray. This September 2021 born calf won Class Nine in the junior section before going on to sell for an excellent 10,000gns. This 17-month-old bull is the first son to be sold off the privately purchased Rathnashan Leonardo who stood National Junior Bull Champion at Strokestown 2019. He is out of the second calver Garmouth Glory’s Jessica, a daughter of the noted Bel Dhu Capercaillie. Purchasing this bull was A Strachan, Brechin, Angus.

Cwarre Mercury – 9,500gns

All the way from Wales was Richard Cumming, Blaencwarre, Hermon, Cynwyl Elfed with his August 2021 born calf Cwarre Mercury. Having stood third in class, this long dark red bull with good figures, made the long trip very worthwhile when selling for 9,500gns CMR Soutar, Arbroath, Angus. Mercury is by Islavale Herriot (TF), and is out of Cwarre Cinderella’s Gem, a Woodhall Extra Special daughter. Commenting Mr Soutar said: “The breeding and background of this bull was the first thing that attracted us to Cwarre Mercury. The genetics, especially on the dam’s side, with Woodhall Extra Special as the grandam, are really appealing. I was looking for an easy calving bull and the figures were all pointing in the right direction. He has a good head, and his dark, red colour will mean that he fits right in with the herd of 35 cows. The darker cows are always sought after in this area”.

Blackford Merlin (ET) – 9,000gns

Mr W G Macpherson, Croy, Inverness-Shire, completed their fine day with the sale of the well-bred
Blackford Merlin (ET) for 9,000gns. This May 2021 born bull stood second in his class to the day’s Overall Supreme Champion. Entirely homebred he is sired by the Royal Highland Show Champion Blackford Galaxy, and is out of Blackford Wagtail VG 86, the dam of the breed record breaking Bel Dhu Capercaillie. This bull was purchased by R & E Chapman, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, and his new owner Ian Chapman said: “We really liked the shape of this bull and his breeding. His main purpose will be to breed replacements for our 250 cow suckler herd. He looks to be easy calving and we feel hewill produce nice milky replacements. We have been using Simmental bulls since we started with cows 30 years ago, due to them being such good mothers and having plenty of milk, and our sucklers are mainly Simmentals which produce the calves which we take through to finishing.”

Coltfield Maestro – 9,000gns

Winning the red ticket in Class Ten, and making 9,000gns at the sale, was Coltfield Maestro from JC MacIver, Forres, Moray. This September 2021-born calf is by the 14,000gns Rockytop Invader whose sons have sold to 11,000gns. Coltlfield Gemma EX90 is out of the herd’s oldest cows and is still breeding well at over 10 years old. Coltfield Maestro was bought by Ward Farms (Scotland) Ltd, Carnwath, Lanarkshire, with Gareth Ward commenting: “We purchased Maestro for use within our 350 cows in total of which 60 plus are pedigree and comprise the Westridge herd. We liked his back pedigree and the fact that both of his parents are classified. Figures are important to us, particularly calving daughters and milk”.

Ranfurly Macgregor – 9,000gns

The strength of the sale continued right to the end and with Ranfurly MacGregor from WD & JD Hazelton, Dungannon, County Tyrone, making 9,000gns when purchased by Craighill Farms, Duntrune, by Dundee. This stylish November 2021 born calf had stood second in the last class to the Junior Champion in the pre-sale show. By Team Celtic he is out of the Omorga Murray sired Ranfurly Lady Diana 22nd E10 (TF) EX 90. MacGregor’s full brother Jackall was Junior and Supreme Champion at Stirling in October 2019, when sold to Strathisla Farms for 14,000gns. Full of figures he is in the top 5% for 200-, 400- and 600-day weight and boasted the top milk figure of +15 in the catalogue.

A small show of four females saw a top price of 4,200gns for the April 2021 born heifer Kinclaven Malteser from Mr AG Borthwick, Stanley, Perth. Sired by Ranfurly Jackall J9 18 EX93, and out of Strathisla Bubble’s Geraldine, this heifer was bought by G Burns, Tippetcraig Farm, Bonnybridge.

AVERAGES
97 Bulls (+8) £7,260 (+£425)
4 Heifers £3,675

OTHER LEADING PRICES
8,500gns – Lot 61 Ballinalare Farm Mack sold to MBM Farms Ltd
8,000gns – Lot 20 Backmuir Mario sold to GW Woolhouse & Sons Ltd
8,000gns – Lot 63 Newbiemains Mayhem sold to FMJ Forster
8,000gns – Lot 125 Islavale Monarch sold to JH Logan & Co
7,800gns – Lot 10 Dunmore Mearns sold to BCF Lambie Partnership
7,500gns – Lot 7 Auchorachan Malt sold to Dalchirla Farms Limited
7,500gns – Lot 9 Caithness Maverick sold to Hugh S Reid
7,500gns – Lot 16 Springfield Major sold to Parkmount Estate Co
7,500gns – Lot 50 Pistyll Major sold to GT & S Coghill
7,500gns – Lot 127 Islavale Mario sold to DG & J Walker
7,000gns – Lot 48 Drumsleed Monty sold to WJ Marshall
7,000gns – Lot 62 Finlarg Magnum sold to Hamilton Organic Ltd
7,000gns – Lot 80 Corskie Mago sold to WSL Muir
7,000gns – Lot 98 Kersknowe Moses sold to W & I Gunn

SHOW RESULTS
Sunday 19th February 2023
Judge: Mr Colin Fordyce, Islabank Farm, Blairgowrie

Class 1 – Bulls born on or between 7 March & 1 April 2021
1st: Lot 6 – Mr W J & J Green – Corskie Match – s. Drumagarner Hughes EX 92
2nd: Lot 11 – Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Marley – s. Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94
3rd: Lot 5 – D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Magic – s. Auchorachan Hercules EX 92
4th: Lot 7 – D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Malt – s. Auchorachan Hercules EX 92

Class 2 – Bulls born on or between 2 & 20 April 2021
1st: Lot 13 – Reece & Andrew Simmers – Backmuir Moonshine – s. Wolfstar Jackaroo
2nd: Lot 24 – W H Robson & Sons – Kilbride Farm Merlin – s. Kilbride Farm Jetstream (P)
3rd: Lot 23 – Mr & Mrs A S & Y A Leedham – Grangewood Magic – s. Ranfurly Impeccable
4th: Lot 25 – Gary & Angela Christie – Rockytop Macduff – s. Rockytop Jackpot

Class 3 – Bulls born on or between 21 April & 5 May 2021
1st: Lot 36 – Mr A King – Wolfstar Mustang – s. Islavale Guy
2nd: Lot 29 – Mr D Lowry – Keeldrum Midas – s. Keeldrum Gambler
3rd: Lot 30 – Richard McCulloch – Overhill House Minty – s. Aultmore Goliath
4th: Lot 35 – Mr & Mrs M Ward & Sons – Westridge Max – s. Woodhall Freeman

Class 4 – Bulls born on or between 6 & 21 May 2021
1st: Lot 39 – Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Mars – s. Heathbrow Important (P) EX 93
2nd: Lot 45 – M A Barlow & Sons – Denizes Magic – s. Denizes Hamish
3rd: Lot 41 – Mr A King – Wolfstar Moves Like Jagger – s. Wolfstar Ivan (TF)
4th: Lot 44 – Gary & Angela Christie – Rockytop Milan – s. Rockytop I’m Yer Man

Class 5 – Bulls born on or between 22 May & 5 June 2021
1st: Lot 60 – Alan Wilson – Bannhill Farm Masterpiece – s. Kilbride Farm Bantry
2nd: Lot 56 – Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Merlin – s. Blackford Galaxy
3rd: Lot 55 – Richard McCulloch – Overhill House Marlon – s. Aultmore Goliath
4th: Lot 49 – Mr A King – Wolfstar Mufasa – s. Islavale Guy

Class 6 – Bulls born on or between 6 June & 18 July 2021
1st: Lot 70 – Richard & Rhys Rodgers – Hiltonstown Magnificent – s. Dermotstown Delboy EX 92
2nd: Lot 61 – Mr J & Mr A Wilson – Farm Mack – s. Rabawn Ernie
3rd: Lot 68 – Harry David Houldey – Manor Fields Mac – s. Ranfurly Highflier H16
4th: Lot 63 – Jim & Patricia Goldie – Newbiemains Mayhem – s. Annick Klondyke EX 92

Class 7 – Bulls born on or between 19 July & 26 August 2021
1st: Lot 73 – W H Robson & Sons – Kilbride Farm Morikawa – s. Islavale Harvest
2nd: Lot 82 – Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Mosby – s. Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94
3rd: Lot 76 – D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Magnum – s. Curaheen Giant
4th: Lot 83 – Mr J Jeffrey – Kersknowe Murphy – s. Aultmore Jasper

Class 8 – Bulls born on or between 27 August & 5 September 2021
1st: Lot 96 – Richard & Rhys Rodgers – Hiltonstown Matrix – s. Saltire Impressive
2nd: Lot 94 – Mr W D & J D Hazelton – Ranfurly Masterpiece – s. Team Celtic
3rd: Lot 86 – Richard James Cumming – Cwarre Mercury – s. Islavale Herriot
4th: Lot 89 – D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Max – s. Greencap Kane EX 91

Class 9 – Bulls born on or between 5 & 20 September 2021
1st: Lot 99 – Laura Green – Garmouth Matt – s. Rathnashan Leonardo
2nd: Lot 100 – Mr & Mrs A S & Y A Leedham – Grangewood Maverick – s. Ranfurly Impeccable I4 17
3rd: Lot 98 – Mr J Jeffrey – Kersknowe Moses – s. Aultmore Jasper
4th: Lot 101 – Gary & Angela Christie – Rockytop Mozart – s. Kilbride Farm Fearless

Class 10 – Bulls born on or between 21 September & 20 October 2021
1st: Lot 112 – J C MacIver – Coltfield Maestro – s. Rockytop Invader EX 92
2nd: Lot 114 – Mr W J & J Green – Corskie Mineral – s. Drumagarner Hughes EX 92
3rd: Lot 115 – Mr W J & J Green – Corskie Miner – s. Drumagarner Hughes EX 92
4th: Lot 109 – W H Robson & Sons – Kilbride Farm Mustang – s. Kilbride Farm Jetstream (P)

Class 11 – Bulls born on or after 21 October 2021
1st: Lot 124 – Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Mufasa – s. Corskie Highlander EX 93
2nd: Lot 128 – Mr W D & J D Hazelton – Ranfurly MacGregor – s. Team Celtic
3rd: Lot 127 – Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Mario – s. Curaheen Giant 2
4th: Lot 121 – Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Maverick – s. Curaheen Giant 2

Senior Champion
Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Mars – s. Heathbrow Important (P) EX 93
Reserve Senior Champion
Reece & Andrew Simmers – Backmuir Moonshine – s. Wolfstar Jackaroo

Intermediate Champion
Mr W D & J D Hazelton – Ranfurly Masterpiece – s. Team Celtic
Reserve Intermediate Champion
W H Robson & Sons – Kilbride Farm Morikawa – s. Islavale Harvest

Junior Champion
Mr W S Stronach – Islavale Mufasa – s. Corskie Highlander EX 93
Reserve Junior Champion
Richard & Rhys Rodgers – Hiltonstown Matrix – s. Saltire Impressive

Supreme Champion
Mr Alan Wilson – Bannhill Farm Masterpiece – s. Kilbride Farm Bantry 10
Reserve Supreme Champion
Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford Mars – s. Heathbrow Important (P) EX 93

Champion Group of 3
Mr W G MacPherson – Blackford

‘HARD WORKING, NO NONSENSE’ SIMMENTALS TOPPING COMMERCIAL SALES AROUND THE UK AND AT GISBURN; FROME; DARLINGTON; CARLISLE; STIRLING; MELTON MOWBRAY; BENTHAM; MARKET DRAYTON; DUNGANNON; LOCKERBIE; BAKEWELL; QUOYBRAE; WHITLAND; ABERDEEN; SEDGEMOOR; THIRSK; DUMFRIES; MARKET DRAYTON; SKIPTON; AYR; LANARK; PENRITH; & LANCASTER

‘HARD WORKING, NO NONSENSE’ SIMMENTALS TOPPING COMMERCIAL SALES AROUND THE UK AND AT GISBURN; FROME; DARLINGTON; CARLISLE; STIRLING; MELTON MOWBRAY; BENTHAM; MARKET DRAYTON; DUNGANNON; LOCKERBIE; BAKEWELL; QUOYBRAE; WHITLAND; ABERDEEN; SEDGEMOOR; THIRSK; DUMFRIES; MARKET DRAYTON; SKIPTON; AYR; LANARK; PENRITH; & LANCASTER

by | Feb 13, 2023 | 2023 Market Briefs, 2023 Midlands News, 2023, 2023 News

Renowned for its milk and maternal traits, backed up with growth rates and age at slaughter, the modern Simmental has a distinct British signature with the breed showing its adaptability to all geographies and systems around the UK. Here we have the latest Simmental market briefs with Simmentals consistently featuring at the top end of some 21 markets in what is a strong cattle trade for all classes.


Simmental is a no-nonsense beef breed! Easy to look after, efficient, flexible, giving you added value, and with a hard-working ethos that gets the job done!


20 MIXBURY HALL SIMMENTAL STEERS AVERAGE £1272 (Pictured)
Vernon & Jon Bailey, Mixbury Hall sold their annual consignment of pure Simmental steers 10-12 months old at Thame on 10th February. 20 steers sold to £1290.00, £1285 and £1270, and to average £1272. The steers topped the trade in price for age by some distance.

Simmental steers from the Baileys, Mixbury Hall, Northants


Gisburn’s sale of prime cattle on 9th February saw trade up a gear and young bulls selling to a high of £2075 for a 607kg Simmental from JE Bracken.


On 9th February at Darlington Gary Christie sold the 17-month-old Rockytop Milton as a prime bull. Weighing in at 854kg he sold for £2,245.56 (276ppk), to feature amongst the leading prices.
Frome’s sale of prime cattle on 8th February saw a demand for heifers with shape and finish. Top gross price UTM heifer at £1655 was a Simmental x from RMJ & AL Robinson.

Rockytop I’m Yer Man – sire of Rockytop Milton


At H&H’s sale of weaned cattle at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on 8th February, ‘you have to see it to believe it’ was the auctioneers comment on the trade. Simmentals led the breed averages for young bulls at £1133.75 and with a top of £1480 from Sloan, Stockbridgehill.


At Stirling on 8th February, United Auctions sold 1096 store cattle, young bulls and 165 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls, 4 Breeding cattle & 43 Rearing cattle. Heifers (389) – averaged 268.08p and to £1830 for a 700kg SIMX from Greenshields. Young Bulls (61) averaged 256.73p and to £1380 for a SIMX from Hole O Clean. OTM bulls were topped by a Sim from Springfield at £2020.


‘Can this trade get any dearer’? was the question asked by Melton Mowbray auctioneers at their sale of stores & breeding cattle (156) on 8th February. Top in the breeders went to S & E Dow with in-calf Simmental X heifers at £1620 with others to £1570 and £1500.


At Bentham on 8th February a busy ringside of both travelled and local buyers descended on Bentham ensuring that all classes were in strong demand and met a fantastic trade throughout. Strong feeding cattle generally £1550-£1700 with other notable prices including £1750 to regular vendors P & JM Wilson with Simmentals.


Market Drayton’s sale of store cattle on 8th February saw a ‘serious trade in front of a ring full of hungry buyers’! Right at the top end of prices, a 538kg Simmental from H Kelsall & Son made £1,490.00.


The sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart on 8th February saw in-calf cows sold to £1660 for a 2016 born Simm presented by D Scott.


At H&H’s sale of store cattle at Lockerbie on 7th February, trade was ‘up, up, & up”! The heifer trade was led at £1350 by a Simmental from Maxwellbank. In the steers, Simmentals from Messrs Rae, Muirhead, made 301.4p.


SIMMENTALS TOP RECORD BREAKING SALE AT BAKEWELL MARKET
• Simmental cow to a new market record high of £2459.20
‘Ripping up the record books’ was how auctioneers Bagshaws described the commercial cattle sale at Bakewell Market, Derbyshire, on February 6th and with Simmentals leading the way. ‘Every cow today was beyond all expectations’ was the quote, with a Simmental cow from David Donnelly, Hulland Ward setting a record price when selling at £2459.20. A 734kg Simmental cow also topped the pence per kilos when Harold & Brian Ponsonby, Tidswell Moor, sold a four year old Sim to 244p/kg. OTM Bulls were also topped by a Simmental and to £1930 for an entry from Thorp Farms, Baslow. Young bulls were a strong trade and a 780kg Simmental from S&D Fearn, Wardlaw Mires made £1996.80 or 256p/kg. 280 steers averaged £1019 and Simmentals featured at the top end of prices with DC&ME Andrews, Flash realising £1620 for a Sim X.


At Quoybrae on 6th February, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 257 Store & Breeding Cattle. The small sale of breeding cattle sold to £1280 for a Simmental Cross from Elzy Farm, Staxigoe.
At Whitland Marts sale on 4th February, barren cows and overage saw a strong trade with tested cows selling to a top of £1,610 for a Sim from Blaeneifed Farms Ltd, Llangoedmor also sold Simms to £1,280 & £1,230.


At Sedgemoor’s store sale on 4th February, heifers topped at £1600 for a red Simmental from GB Tuttiett, who sold more at £1450 and £1350. More Simmentals £1240 x2 The Clarence Herd, Shillingford.


Aberdeen and Northern Marts on Friday 3rd February 2023 sold 952 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves, at Thainstone. Bullocks up to 300kg sold to £910 or 329.7p for a SimX from Craggan View. Bullocks 701-750kg sold to a top of £1900 and 269.1p for a SimX from Feaval, with a SimX from Essil at £1,820. Heifers up to 300kg were led by Craggan View with a SimX at £980, and bulls up to 350kg were topped by Cuttlehill with a Sim at £870. Bullocks 301-350kg sold to a top of 318.8p for a SimX from Cuttlehill (SimX). Heifers up to 300kg were topped by Craggan View with a SimX at 331.1p. On the same day and a sale of store cattle on behalf of Orkney consignors, bullocks sold to a top of £1,900 gross for a pair of 706kg Simmentals from J & J Fraser.


At Thirsk Market’s weekly Primestock Sale on 2nd February, the best grossing steer was £2243.58 for a Simmental X from Chester & Dale, Helperby purchased by J Penny & Sons, Rawdon.


On 1st February at Dumfries Livestock Mart’s Primestock Sale, the beef cows comprised of predominantly feeding cows to ave 178.4p/kg to 215p/kg and £1795. Simmentals from Newbie Mains topped at £1795.25 per head, and to 215p.


Market Drayton’s sale of 279 store cattle on 1st February saw Simmentals lead the way at £1,570.00 and 550kg from Mr C.H. Forrester. Further Simmentals from the same home made £1,560.00 at 570kg.


SIMMENTAL HEIFER SETS MARKET RECORD AT FROME!
Frome’s prime cattle sale on 1st February saw heavy Simmental heifers to £1971 from E M Horn & Son and which the auctioneers believe is a new market record for a commercial heifer! Charlie Butcher had a fantastic consignment with Simmentals trading to 246.5p/kg, 245.5p/kg (twice), 245.5p/kg and 238.5p/kg or £1606.


At Melton Mowbray’s sale of Prime Cows, Stock Bulls & OTM Cattle on 1st February trade was described as ‘simply ballistic’! Top grossing cows included Chandler & Dickman selling Simmentals to £1859.44.


At Dungannon Farmers Mart on 1st February, a good entry of dropped calves sold to a height of £380 for a Fleckvieh bull calf presented by F Collins.


On 1st February at Skipton, Simmentals had the joint top average of £1252 for store heifers which was £44 above the continental breeds average, and £245 above the native breeds average. Simmental store heifer prices included: £1350 JF&C Saunders; £1290 £1190 Brian Kaye; £1270 Williamson Bros.


At Ayr on 31st January Craig Wilson Ltd had a sale of prime and cast cattle and where bulls sold to a top of £1800 including a Simmental from Dalfask.


On 30th January at Lanark, Lawrie and Symington Ltd had forward 111 cattle comprising of 32 bullocks and heifers, 79 cast cows. Beef cows sold to £2080 per head for a Simmental from Messrs Taylor, Heatheryhall Farm, Lanark.


On 30th January, Penrith & District Farmers’ Mart LLP held their fortnightly sale of 251 Store Cattle. Strong cattle were presented to an eager ringside of buyers. Topping the sale at £2,055 was a cracking Simmental X bullock from Messrs A & S Robley, Nelson Hill Farm, purchased by Mr D Barker. The same home sold other Sim bullocks to £1925, and £1875.


Gisburn’s sale of breeding cattle on 28th January saw in-calf heifers top at £1320 for a Simmental from S Pepper.


At Aberdeen & Northern Marts sale of cattle from Shetland Consignors on 27th January, store cattle bullocks sold to £1,045 gross and 281p per kg for 372kg Simmentals from A & D Hunter, Scatsta, Brae. Heifers Sold to £860 gross and 266p per kg for 324kg Simmentals also from Scatsta. At a sale of store cattle on the same day from Orkney consignors, bullocks 401-450kg were led by Maesquoy with a Sim to £1,290 and 290.5p.


On sale day at Lancaster Auction Mart on 27th January, another strong entry of 120 cull cows sold to an exceptionally fast trade with an overall market average of 184p/kg. Heavy well fleshed beef cows sold to 264p/kg for a Simmental from C & AJ Woodhouse, Millom who sold others at 249.5p/kg.
Aberdeen & Northern Marts on 26th January held a sale on behalf of Orkney consignors. Beef Cows sold to £1,890 gross and 236.8p per kg for a 798 kg Simmental from T & G Ritch, Kastal, Langskaill, Birsay.


Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 611 Store Cattle at their sale in Ayr on 26th January. All classes sold firm again with 335 Bullocks averaging 260.8p or £1198.12. Top Price of the day was £1800 for a Simmental bullock off Ravenslie.


At Stirling on 25th January, United Auctions sold 1140 store cattle, young bulls and 222 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. Young Bulls averaged 258.02p to 287.20p for a SIMX from Philiphaugh. Out of Spec Cattle sold to £1550 for a SIMX from Mount Lothian. OTM Bulls topped at £2610 for a Sim from Balbuthie.


Dungannon Farmers Mart on 25th January saw fat cows sell to a height of £1420 for a Fleckvieh presented by a Dungannon producer.

94% OF BULL BUYERS CONFIRM THEY WILL PURCHASE FURTHER SIMMENTAL BULLS

94% OF BULL BUYERS CONFIRM THEY WILL PURCHASE FURTHER SIMMENTAL BULLS

by | Feb 8, 2023 | 2023 South West News, 2023 Cornwall News, 2023 South East News, 2023 Scottish News, 2023 North West News, 2023 Midlands News, 2023, 2023 News, 2023 North East News, 2023 Northern Ireland News, 2023 Welsh News, 2023 East Anglia News

• 36.23% of buyers changed to Simmental from a different breed of bull in previous five years
A fantastic ninety four percent of Simmental bull buyers have confirmed that they will purchase further Simmental bulls at future Society sales. That’s the strong endorsement of the Simmental breed following a snapshot survey of bull buyers at Society Sales held between 2017 and 2019.


The survey saw buyers through these years being sent a detailed questionnaire covering the initial reasons for purchasing a Simmental, and thereafter how satisfied they have been with the abilities and the performance of their bulls to date. A broad range of questions invited respondents to score and comment on the performance of bulls bought, including: calving ease; temperament of the bulls and their progeny; fertility and serving capacity; longevity and physical condition of the bull; and performance of progeny, including growth rates and perceived food conversion. Further questions asked buyers about the most important traits when buying a Simmental; the principle purpose of the bull; use on heifers; the importance of herd health information, pre-sale inspections, performance figures, and pre-sale fertility testing.


Unsurprisingly maternal traits featured highly in the characteristics of the Simmental breed most attractive to buyers, including: mothering ability and easy calving; milk; producing replacement heifers; and fast-growing progeny. The top characteristic for buyers was temperament and this was emphasised later in the survey with a total of 97.18% saying that the temperament of their bulls was good (88.73%), or average (8.45%), and with 92.53% saying that the temperament of the progeny was very good or good. Across these two categories less than 5% of purchasers responded that the bulls or their progeny had been below average for temperament.


Just over 70% of buyers indicated that performance figures and EBVs were a ‘quite’ or ‘very’ important aid when purchasing a bull. Of the traits, EBVs for calving ease were ranked the most important and with Maternal (Milk), a close second. The Simmental breed has taken a lead in many aspects of herd health at sales over the years, and the importance of this is shown in the survey with a total of 98.59% of respondents saying that it was ‘very important’ (83.10%), or ‘important’ (15.49%), for them to purchase bulls from herds with a high health status. Over 90% of buyers placed importance on bulls having passed through a pre-sale inspection with 57.34% saying it was ‘very’ important.


Interestingly, and perhaps indicative of some strong Simmental sales, 36.23% of buyers said that they had changed from a different breed of bull in the previous five years, and predominantly from other continental breeds. 53.62% of buyers run over five Simmental bulls with a further 40.58% indicating that they had one to five Simmental bulls. The makeup of buyers’ farms shows that 60% of the bulls have gone to hill farms, and with 40% to lowland. The bulls are used on mainly suckler herds (93.25%), with the dominant breed of suckler cows being Simmental/Simmental X, followed by Limousin/Limousin X; Angus/Angus X; and Luing/Luing X. The largest percentage of buyers run 31 to 100 cows (41.43%); with 37.14% having 101 to 200; and just over 21% having over 200.


The working abilities of the breed are again highlighted with 94.12% of buyers saying that they were happy with the physical and structural condition of the bulls bought, and with over 85% of the bulls still working in purchasers’ herds. In an anticipated strength of the breed, just over 92% of buyers said that they retained heifer calves as herd replacements. 42.86% of buyers said that they used bulls on heifers, and of those, 44.12%, aiming to calve the heifers at 28 months and under.


In another strong endorsement of the performance and commercial attributes of the Simmental breed, a remarkable 89.65% of those surveyed said the progeny of their bulls had been of the standard they expected (81.03%), or better than expected (8.62%), and 10.34% saying that the progeny had been average. No respondents replied that progeny from their bulls had been below expectations.


At the conclusion of the survey buyers were asked for ‘any other comments’, and again these were a combination of extremely positive, constructive, and insightful points. A number of comments remarked on what they saw as the ‘big strides’ in ongoing improvement in the Simmental breed over the last ten years. A further similar sentiment was that if the breed maintains and improves its strengths in milk, easy calving, docility, and good locomotion, ‘Simmental bulls will sell themselves’ in the forward industry. Breeders were given some ‘signals’ for forward sales to not overfeed bulls, and the importance of feet, good legs and mobility. Herd health, the versatility of Simmentals on all breeds, the importance of good growth rates, and food conversion from grass were also noted. Producing ‘bulls that make good cows’ was also a sentiment with a clear overall emphasis on the desire for Simmentals many recognised maternal strengths.


Commenting on the survey BSCS General manager Iain Kerr said: “It’s really important for the Society to engage with Simmental buyers to find out how satisfied they have been with their purchases, and to feedback their thoughts to breeders. The Simmental breed is renowned for breeding quality heifer replacements and for being first class suckler cows with plenty of milk, good fertility, easily calved and crossing to advantage with any other breed. We also see Simmental progeny being easy fleshing, with good growth rates, top weights for age, and being the industry leader for age at slaughter. To have these qualities recognised and endorsed by the breeds buyers, with an approval/repeat customer rate of 94%, is really encouraging. A massive well done is extended to pedigree Simmental breeders for these results and for consistently bringing forward a high standard of bulls. There is an ongoing commitment from the breeders and Society, in the sum of all its parts, to keep working hard to consistently produce the choice and quality of bulls that commercial beef producers and pedigree breeders require.”


The survey results have been released in the run up to the next round of pedigree Simmental Sales with sale fixtures at Stirling on February 20th; Aberdeen on 1st March; Dungannon on 24th March; and Melton Mowbray on 25th March.

EASY KEEP, VERSATILE SIMMENTALS LEAVING MORE MONEY FOR CUMBRIAN DAIRY FARM

EASY KEEP, VERSATILE SIMMENTALS LEAVING MORE MONEY FOR CUMBRIAN DAIRY FARM

by | Feb 8, 2023 | 2023 North West News, 2023, 2023 News

By using a Simmental bull on their dairy herd to produce strong, sellable store cattle, the Ladds family at Benson Hall Farm, Kendal, Cumbria have developed a low input, high output system that works well within their busy farming enterprise.
“We have tried a few different beef breeds over the years and thought we’d try something a bit different. We wanted frame and carcase, but also something that would be cheaper to feed and calving ease was a major priority. The Simmental calves hit the ground running and are easier and cheaper to rear than other beef breeds we’ve tried. Costs obviously vary, but we think we’re around £200-£300 per calf better off, with the Simmentals,” says Richard Ladds.


See the full Ladds family feature, just one of a number of commercial and pedigree herd profiles, in this year’s Simmental Review which is out today!

BRITISH SIMMENTAL ANNUAL REVIEW NOW OUT!

BRITISH SIMMENTAL ANNUAL REVIEW NOW OUT!

by | Feb 8, 2023 | 2023, 2023 News

Landing on your doorsteps very soon, the Simmental annual Review is now out! Packed with all things British Simmental, this year’s issue is 204 pages in all and with a mixture of pedigree and commercial features; a round-up of the sales; a review and reports from the major summer and winter shows; a technical section; regional reports; general news; and the usual information pages. It was a high performing year for the breed and the Review reflects on a strong Simmental sale demand with a flurry of record averages across sale centres, and along with a surge in pedigree registrations. Copies to members, the agricultural press, colleges and universities, retailers and processors, and a list of industry influencers are being posted out on Monday, and with a link to the electronic version on Issuu being made available at the at the same time. If you would like to request a copy then please email: information@britishsimmental.co.uk

COLIN FORDYCE, THE SIMMENTAL JUDGE AT THE UPCOMING STIRLING SIMMENTAL BULL SALE ON FEBRUARY 19TH & 20TH

COLIN FORDYCE, THE SIMMENTAL JUDGE AT THE UPCOMING STIRLING SIMMENTAL BULL SALE ON FEBRUARY 19TH & 20TH

by | Feb 8, 2023 | 2023 Scottish News, 2023, 2023 News

With just under three weeks to the Stirling Simmental Bull Sale on Monday February 20th, it’s a timely point to focus on the pre-sale Simmental judge, Colin Fordyce, Meigle, Blairgowrie. Colin is the long-standing herd manager of the noted Strathisla Farms, and runs the Blair Simmental herd in his own right, which is run alongside the Strathisla Simmental herd.


Colin has worked at Strathisla for a remarkable 42 years now, having joined the business as herdsman straight after he left school, under the then Head Stockman Ian Roberts, before being promoted to head stockman and herd manager ten years later.
At Strathisla, Colin oversees the management of 60 Simmental cows and followers, a 40 head Charolais herd, as well as 150 commercial cows. On the commercial herd, homebred Simmental and Shorthorn bulls are used, with around 25 heifer calves a year being kept as replacements. The remaining heifers are sold as herd replacements or as store. Commercial bull calves are taken through to finishing and sold deadweight to ABP Perth, at 12-15 months old, and produce mainly U grade carcasses. Colin says: “We find the Simmentals produce fast growing progeny with great weight for age, consistently hit top grades, and with high killing out percentages.”


Highlights of Colin’s career with the Strathisla herd are many, and at both shows and sales. Regular vendors at Stirling the herd’s top prices to date include Strathisla Kinloch, who sold in October 2020 for 11,500gns, and Strathisla Hagrid, who sold in October 2017 for 11,000gns. The Royal Highland Show is an annual pilgrimage and where Strathisla has regularly featured in the Championship shake downs and accrued multiple red tickets.


Run alongside the cattle at Strathisla Farm, Colin’s Blair Simmental Herd was established in 1999, with the purchase of Milnafua Harriet at the Milnafua Dispersal Sale. Harriet went on to breed two Stirling Reserve Intermediate Champions, Blair Rory in October 2005, and Blair Solomon in October 2006. Blair Mario was purchased by Genus last year, and more recently two further bulls have been procured by the breeding company from Strathisla Farms.


Of the judging job ahead at Stirling Colin said: “The Stirling Bull Sales and before that Perth, are synonymous with high end bulls for both pedigree and commercial breeding and it’s a great honour to be asked to judge. In my opinion the Stirling Bull Sales is the place to go to buy the quality bulls.” Having previously judged Simmentals at many shows over the years including Perth, Grantown, Turriff, Strathaven, Campsie, and Dunblane to name but a few, Colin will certainly cast an experienced eye over proceedings, and he is clear in the type of Simmental that he likes: “My perfect bull has a good top line, length, nice height, a decent back end, and most importantly he must be able to walk well,” he said. “When looking to purchase a bull these are the attributes I look for. Over and above that, we always consider the bull’s EBV’s and back pedigree, as well as the herd health status.”


“The Simmental has a well-earned reputation for its maternal attributes and all-round efficiencies and I’m very much looking forward to judging what I’m sure will be a quality line up of bulls.”
In all 138 Simmental bulls are catalogued, with 4 Simmental females also forward. The pre-sale show is on Sunday 19th February, commencing from 10am. The sale itself is on Monday 20th February and also from 10am. Please click here to see the full catalogue.