32,000gns sets new UK breed record for a Simmental female sold at auction
Five lots, including outfits sell for 10,000gns and more
Sale grosses £347,700
Heathbrow Natasha 32,000gns
Simmental achieved a new 32,000gns female breed record in Stirling on Monday 23 October when David and Lesley Sapsed dispersed their entire noted Heathbrow polled herd following a decision to retire after almost three decades of breeding pedigree Simmental.
Star of the sale at 32,000gns was Heathbrow Natasha, an 18-month-old maiden by the herd’s illustrious Heathbrow Important 17, the multi-title winning show bull, herd sire and European Simmental Bull of the Year in 2019, and she was out of Raceview Emerald Alicia600 EX91 by Milnafua Graduate. A striking, fleshy well-balanced heifer exemplary of the breed, Natasha had already been in the limelight during her short-lived show career having secured the Great Yorkshire Junior Interbreed title and Reserve Breed Champion at Edenbridge, together with a fist full of red tickets. She was knocked down sold to Jimmy and Vikki Wood based at Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire.
The Wood family from the Popes herd with David, Lesley and Brenda and Heathbrow Natasha
Commenting after the sale Jimmy Wood said: “It was actually our daughter Hannah who bought her and will be starting a herd in her own name with Natasha as her foundation female. We first saw Heathbrow Natasha at Herts County Show when she was just a young heifer and immediately saw her potential. We’ve been ‘up close and personal’ to her ever since having shown at many of the same shows through the summer. She’s just kept coming on and we thought she was outstanding at the Great Yorkshire Show. Natasha has everything we would look for in a female. She’s full of femininity with lots of sparkle and presence and is a totally new bloodline with the best of breeding behind her, a real cow maker for the future. It’s a big price tag but it’s a long-term investment and there’s always going to be competition when that quality of heifer and genetics comes to the market.”
The Wood family took home another four entries. At 9,000gns they secured Heathbrow Melody, an April 2021 born in heifer by Heathbrow Klassik 19, out of Raceview Emerald Alicia and scanned in calf to Blackwood Kirk. Also heading home to join their Popes herd at 7,500gns was the Heathbrow Findlay 14 sired Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy VG88. An in-calf Heathbrow Girlie’s Freesia EX94 daughter she was a successful member of the Sapsed’s show team.
The dispersal’s second top call at 14,000gns went to Heathbrow Milky Way VG85, a January 2021 born heifer by Scotland Hill Cairo 11 EX91 and out of Dirnanean Girlie E31 EX93. She was sold with her three-month-old twin heifer calves at foot, Heathbrow Girlie’s Polly and Heathbrow Girlie’s Poppy, sired by Heathbrow Masterpieve 21. The trio went to breed newcomer, Jimmy Hodge, Fellowhills Farm, Horndean, Berwick upon Tweed.
Heathbrow Milky Way 14,000gns
“Milky Way stood out as one of those animals that you wouldn’t want to change, and she is certainly making a good job of her twin heifers,” said former Holstein breeder, Mr Hodge who currently runs 30 pedigree Herefords. “I was so impressed with the quality of the Heathbrow cattle on offer, I thought I would give them a try and invest.”
Making 13,200gns in total was Heathbrow Kitkat’s Treasure VG87, a rising four-year-old Kilbride Farm Newry daughter and out of Darsham Real Treasure EX91, together with her nine-month-old heifer calf, Heathbrow Paradise Treasure by Blackford Kirk 19 EX91. Kitkat’s Treasure who was scanned in calf to Heathbrow Masterpiece was secured for 9,000gns by J A Griffin, Common Lane, Hemingford, Huntingdon, while her calf attracted a 4,200gns from V M Bailey and Sons, Mixbury Hall Farm, Brackley, Northants.
The same buyers went to 7,600gns for their own pair. Heathbrow Girlie’s Lorna VG87, a February 2021 born heifer by Heathbrow Grand Slam 15 and sold in-calf to Kilbride Farm Morikawa was knocked down for 3,800gns, while the Baileys made an identical 3,800gns bid for her 10-month-pld bull, Heathbrow Napolean 22 by Blackford Kirk 19 EX91.
Heathbrow Girlie’s Lorna 3,800gns & Napoleon 3,800gns
Two entries shared a 10,000gns bid. First to go was Heathbrow Sarah’s Elegance EX94, a Celtic Comet daughter and out of Dirnanean Sarah. This 10-year-old was sold with her July-born bull calf, Heathbrow Polo, by Heathbrow Grand Slam to Mr R J Grenham of Boars Head Farm, Crowborough, East Sussex.
The second 10,000gns call was made by George Scrivens and Holly Grant, Highfield, Shrewley, Warwickshire for Heathbrow Magical Star sold in-calf to Blackford Kirk. A January 2021 born Heathbrow Important 17 daughter, she was out of Heathbrow Ice Star. George commented: “We’d visited the Sapseds four or five times over the last 12 months and rather than coming away with five or six average animals we really wanted a couple of the very best. Magical Star was top of our shopping list. She meant more to us than any other animal in the sale and we’re thrilled to come away with her.”
Heathbrow Magical Star 10,000gns
The couple’s quest to invest in a heifer calf to show next year was achieved when they paid 5,200gns Heathbrow Precious, a six-month-old by Heathbrow Important 17 daughter with her dam, the rising ten-year-old Heathbrow Fancy EX92 who goes back to Dirnanean and Swallowhill lines.
A cow and calf pair attracted the next highest total at 9,700gns. The EX90 classified nine-year-old Heathbrow Fizzy by Dirnanean Welcome and scanned in calf made 3,200gns to Ward Farming, West Mains Farm, Carnwath, Lanarkshire. A 6,500gns bid secured Fizzzy’s eight-month-old bull calf Heathbrow Phoenix 23, by Heathbrow Important 17 for Robert Blyth and Son, Harestonhill Farm, Wishaw, Lanarkshire.
Heathbrow Fizzy 3,200gns
Minutes later, the next heifer and calf unit was sold for a total of 8,400gns. The three-year-old Heathbrow Luxury VG86, by Cairo made 4,200gns to John Tuohy, Coose Farm, Whitegate, Co Galway, while the same 4,200gns price tag went to her 10-month-old bull calf Heathbrow Nautical 22, by Blackford Kirk. The buyer was Speirs Farms Ltd, Pepsal End, Pepperstock, Luton.
Totalling 7,800gns was Heathbrow Kimberley VG88, an April 2019 born Heathbrow Grand Slam daughter sold in calf to Morikawa and her nine-month-old bull Heathbrow Paddy 23 by Heathbrow Important. Kimberley made 3,800gns to Nether Balfour Farms Park, Balvenie House, Drumolk, Banchory while Paddy attracted a 4,000gns bid from Wisson and Son Partnership, Southwood Farm, Abbotsley, St Neots.
Heathbrow Kimberley 3,800gns
Heathbrow Heidi VG88 and her eight-month-old twin bulls by Heathbrow Important 17, went for 7,700gns in total. The seven-year-old Heathbrow Freddie Star 14 daughter sold in calf to Morikawa was bid for 2,500gns to Simon Kemp, Kingston, Canterbury. Heathbrow Pele 23 made 2,400gns to J and M Troup, Southbank Farm, Skene, Aberdeenshire, while his twin Heathbrow Pogba 23 sold for 2,800gns to J C McLaren and Partners, Dargill, Crieiff, Perthshire.
Next pair at 7,500gns was the January 2020 born Heathbrow Lavender VG88 (pictured below) together with her eight-month-old bull calf, Heathbrow Principal 23. Another Important daughter, Lavender was sold scanned in calf to Moriawa and made 5,500gns to Inverdunning Ltd, Inverdunning, Dunning, Perthshire ,while K Thain and Son, Shank, Huntly, Aberdeenshire went to 2,000gns for Principal.
Heathbrow Lavender 5,500gns & Principal 2,000gns
David Sapsed commented after the sale: “We’re both really delighted with the trade and it was fantastic to see such widespread demand for the Heathbrow cattle. There were a lot of new entrants and younger breeders buying cattle and we hope their purchases set them off on as enjoyable a pedigree road as we have had. Cattle sold into Scotland, back to England, and with an export trade to both Germany and the Republic of Ireland.
“Very much the icing on the cake was the fantastic sale of Heathbrow Natasha to the Wood family. That’s our first female at auction to sell for over 10,000gns and for her to set a new Simmental female record, well it was an unbelievable finale to our pedigree breeding career. We were so pleased with how the cattle travelled and looked at the sale and huge thanks are extended to Brenda Hide, Rhys Grenham, Richard Rettie and all the team for their hard work. We’ve always tried to breed genuine, long, stylish cattle that have good locomotion, are quiet and a little bit slightly later maturing. Lesley and I would like to thank all of the bidders and buyers on the day and we wish everyone the very best of luck with their new purchases.”
Averages: seven cows and calves £6,555; 25 cows £3,948; 12 bull calves £3,509; eight heifer calves £3,728; 10 in-calf heifers £5,975; 14 maiden heifers £5,955; two bulls £4,883.
• 46,000gns is a new UK breed record for a Simmental bull sold at auction • 53 bulls (+8) average £7594, up by £36 on the year, and a new breed record sale average • Simmental only breed to sell more bulls on the year • 12 bulls sell for 10,000gns and more, as bull sale grosses £422,606
Simmental records were sent tumbling at Stirling as the April 2022 born Overhill House Neo from Over Hill House, Armadale, West Lothian sold for 46,000gns to lead the Simmental Bull Sale at United Auctions, Stirling on Monday 23rd October. The top price set a new breed record for a Simmental sold in the UK, and with Overhill House Neo being purchased by Reece & Andrew Simmers for their noted Backmuir herd at Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire.
Overhill House Neo 46,000gns
In addition to the new top price mark, fifty-three Simmental bulls sold to average a mighty £7594 which in itself is a new UK breed record sale average and eclipsing the previous figure of £7558 set at the corresponding fixture last year.
Overhill House Neo is one of the first sons to be offered at sale by the herds 26,000gns stock bull Pistyll Kingsman who was purchased at Stirling in February 2021, and is out of the Hillcrest Jerome ET daughter Seepa Daffodil. On the previous day, and by common consent in front of one of the biggest ring side crowds seen at a Simmental pre-sale show, Overhill House Neo had been tapped out as the Overall Supreme Champion by the judge Hazel McNee of the noted Finlarg herd at Over Finlarg Farm, Tealing, Dundee. Commenting after her day in the middle, Hazel said; “I was really delighted with my Champion, I think he’s a Simmental bull just full of quality and he really stood out for me. He’s easy fleshed, very correct, walks extremely well, and has tremendous length. He’s the dark colour which I like, and had more than a wee bit of that showy presence I was looking for.” Of the show of Simmental bulls generally Hazel went on to say; “It was a tremendous show with a lot of very modern bulls suited to the market and offering choice for both commercial beef producers and pedigree breeders. The depth in the classes certainly made by job a very enjoyable one.”
Overhill House Neo now heads to Keith to join the 80-cow Backmuir herd and speaking after the sale an equally delighted Reece Simmers said: “We’ve been working away over this last year or more quite well with homebred sires and all the time have been keeping an eye out for a bull that has that little bit of ‘extra special’ about him. As such we’re really pleased to have been able to buy Overhill House Neo and just think he’s a great example of a modern Simmental bull. Neo’s full of style and breed character. He’s got size and power, is full of length, and has a quality back end with easy muscling. We like the breeding on the dam line and he’s a total outcross which will bring new breeding lines to the Backmuir herd.”
Of paying the record price for a Simmental bull to date Reece Simmers went on to say: “The Simmental breed is going from strength to strength and we’ve seen the increasingly strong sales over this last couple of years. Overhill House Neo is just full of quality and breeding, and if he brings that through into his progeny then we feel that he’ll be a value investment for the Backmuir herd over a number of years.” In the sale Backmuir enjoyed a good day themselves when selling two bulls at 10,000gns and 7000gns respectively.
It’s been a strong year of performance for the Overhill House herd at shows and sales and speaking after the sale Richard McCulloch said: “Overhill House Neo has been a special calf from day one and has just always had such a presence about him and a tremendous nature. He’s just continued to do well throughout the summer and he’s the best bull we’ve bred to date. You never have the expectation to come to a sale like Stirling, with the standard of bulls that’s always there, and come away with a record price of 46,000gns. It’s tremendous but very humbling at the same time. The whole team at Overhill House is delighted that he’s gone to a top herd like Backmuir, and we wish Reece, Andrew and Philip every success with him.”
Of his general breeding aims Richard went on to say: “We just continue to keep things simple by being selective, culling hard, and maintaining the quality as high as we can. There’s a lot of hard work, time and effort goes into pedigree breeding and my stockman Scott Gilmour, and Brian Wills who helps us, play a big part in that.” In addition to the top price, Overhill House Nestor made 13,000gns on the day and with him also being a Pistyll Kingsman son. Further Overhill House bulls made 12,000gns and 4500gns. It’s been a tremendous year for the Overhill House herd with the now sale record price sitting alongside them having the all-breeds top price at the May Stirling Sale; the leading price at the May Carlisle Sale a week later; and lifting the Male Championship at the Scottish National Show in August at Dumfries!
It was a terrific all-round Simmental sale with the day seeing a new UK record for a Simmental bull; a new record for a Simmental female; a new record sale average for the breed; and with Simmentals being the only breed to sell more bulls on the year! This sale performance was warmly acknowledged by the British Simmental Cattle Society President Norman Robson, who said: “The breeders have put forward some tremendous bulls and with a real choice for commercial producers and pedigree breeders, and some record sale figures have been achieved which I think reflects that. In the forward industry with a pressure on costs, there really is going to be a premium on efficiency and I think that’s recognised by commercial producers and what has driven the Simmental sales in this last couple of years. Prior to this sale we published independent data, provided by AHDB, that showed Simmentals give you more both maternally and terminally. Industry leading at age at slaughter whether sired by a Simmental or out of a Simmental dam, significant reduction in finishing costs, and lower emissions meeting environmental challenges. Add that to the breeds well established maternal qualities of easy and regular calving, milk, fertility, and longevity and it’s just good economics for beef producers.”
Corskie Naqus 14,000gns
In all, twelve bulls on the day made five figures or more and with the second top priced bull being the 14,000gns Corskie Naqus 22 from Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers. This March 2022 born bull had stood second in his class to the Reserve Intermediate Champion in the pre-sale show. Sired by Drumagarner Hughes, who has had bulls at sale up to 13,000gns, and out of the Dirnanean Bradley daughter, Corskie Klarasch, this bull with good figures for calving ease and maternal (milk) sold to AH Smith who runs a significant commercial enterprise of 350 Angus and Simmental cows, and also the 15 cow Arkland pedigree herd at Low Arkland Farm, Castle Douglas. Speaking after the sale Alan Smith said: “This Corskie bull just had a lot of style and we liked his back breeding and performance figures. He’ll work in both the pedigree and commercial herd and we hope he will bring his qualities to both.”
Presenting a tremendous pen of bulls and enjoying another fantastic sale was the prolific Islavale herd of WS Stronach & Son, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. Ten bulls sold for a collective £104,685, and to average an incredible £10,469. Six of the bulls made over five figures, and just for good measure the herd picked up the Reserve Overall; Junior Championship; Reserve Intermediate; and had five first places and three seconds in the pre-sale show. Quite a day!
Islavale Nugget 13,000gns
From the Islavale pen, two bulls made 13,000gns. The first of these was Islavale Nugget who had stood third in his class to the Overall Champion. One of the first sons at sale from the herd sire Coose Lincoln EX90, this April born bull is out of the Curhaeen Bandit daughter Islavale Ena EX91. With tremendous figures putting him in the top 1% for both Terminal Sire Index, and Self Replacing Index, Islavale Nugget was purchased by commercial producer and repeat Islavale buyer GM Mitchell & Son, Fernie Mill, Cupar, Fife. At this same 13,000gns price was Islavale Newton who was the first prize bull in class seven. April 2022 born and sired by the noted Ranfurly Confederate, this heifer’s calf is out of Islavale Kathy, a Corskie Highlander daughter. With top 10% figures for Calving Ease, and top 1% for Self Replacing Index, this bull was another to go for commercial use and to the south west of Scotland when selling to W Barbour, Carsegowan Farm, Dumfries.
Islavale Newton 13,000gnsOverhill House Nestor 13,000gns
Also selling at 13,000gns was another from Richard McCulloch in the shape of the previously referred to Overhill Nestor. April 2022 born this bull is another by Pistyll Kingsman, the same sire as the new record holder, and is out of Overhill House Eve, an Annick Capercaillie daughter. Another bull in the teens and going commercially, Overhill House Nestor was purchased by Glass & Smith, Mill of Fowlis, Alford, Aberdeenshire. As a footnote the prices meant that the first two sons of Pistyll Kingsman at sale had averaged just under £31,000!
Islavale Northstar 12,000gns
Back to the Islavale pen and Islavale Northstar made 12,000gns when selling to the Coltfield herd of Cameron Maciver, Wester Coltfield, Forres, Moray. Got by AI this April 2022 born bull, out of the same class as the Overall Champion, is by Curaheen Giant and is out of Islavale Hope EX 91. Commenting Cameron Maciver said: “My son James and myself saw the bull on farm in May and we liked him then and also the Wolfstar Elusive breeding he has on the dam line. He’s a bull we think can add a little mor size into our calves. The plan from here is to put him with around 10 cows towards the end of November.” Also from Islavale and at the same price of 12,000gns was the winner of class five, and the Reserve Intermediate Champion, Islavale Nico. Another of the first sons at sale by Coose Lincoln EX 90, Nico is out of Islavale Fashion EX 92, a Curaheen Bandit daughter who previously bred the 8000gns Islavale Loki the top priced bull at Thainstone last year. Purchasing Islavale Nico was D & G Manson for their 140 cow Simmental based commercial herd at Brodieshill, Alves, Forres. Commenting, Robert Manson said: “We had followed Nico through the summer having had several visits to the Islavale herd. At that time we had seen some Coose Lincoln calves on the ground and were especially impressed by the heifer calves length and shape. We’ll aim to put Nico to four or five cows in six weeks time. He’ll have an easy winter and will hopefully have a bit more to do in the spring. There were a lot of good Simmental bulls on the day that made 10k and more and plenty of choice for the commercial buyers.” Earlier this year, Brodieshill hosted a high-quality commercial Open Day on behalf of the British Simmental Cattle Society.
Islavale Nico 12,000gnsOverhill House Niko 12,000gns
Securing their third five figure price on the day was Overhill House Niko who made 12,000gns when selling to the commercial herd of J Innes & Sons, Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Arriving with a show record behind him, Overhill House Niko was the Overall Male Champion and Junior Champion at this years high profile Scottish Simmental National Show at Dumfries. At Stirling’s pre-sale show Niko stood second in his class to his stablemate and the day’s Overall Supreme Champion. Entirely homebred, he is by Overhill House Enhance, a Banwy T-Rex son, and is out of Overhill House Keelo. A stylish, dark red bull, Overhill House Niko carried a top 1% figure for Maternal (Milk).
Hemingford Nelson 11,000gns
Up from Cambridgeshire was the lengthy and stylish Hemingford Nelson from James & Rachael Griffin’s fifteen cow herd at Hemingford Abbots, Huntingdon, who took first place in class three before securing a fantastic Reserve Senior Championship. This March 2022 born bull is by the herd stock sire Saltire Jaguar, who was purchased for 9000gns at Stirling in February 2020 and is out of Hemingford Jewel, a Corskie Dreamer daughter. Nelson made 11,000gns and will now reacclimatise when moving north to the Auchorachan pedigree herd of D&R Durno & Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Speaking after the sale James Griffin said: “We are working away and trying to bring forward good bulls. This is a big step up for us and we are ‘blown away’ to sell a bull to 11,000gns and to such a renowned Scottish herd.”
Islavale Nemo 11,000gns
The run of Islavale bulls continued with the April 2022 born Islavale Nemo selling for 11,000gns to H J Warnock of Ballydoonan Road, Carrowdore, Co Down who runs just under fifty cows in his pedigree Templefyn herd. Another by Coose Lincoln EX 90, Islavale Nemo is out of Islavale Bramble 2 VG 88, a Curaheen Bandit daughter, and sported excellent figures being in the top 1% Self Replacing Index. Commenting John Warnock said: “We purchased Islavale Illusive in February 2019 for 14,000gns and he’s done well for us. I think this is another top bull with length, width and good figures behind him.” Also at 11,000gns was the winner of class nine, the Junior Champion and Overall Reserve Champion in the form of Islavale Neuk. This April 2022 born bull is by the herd’s well-known sire Shacon Hannibal 16 (ET) EX 94, and is out of the eight-year-old Islavale Gretel EX 90.
Islavale Neuk 11,000gnsJudge Hazel McNee
Commenting on her choice of Reserve Champion, the judge Hazel McNee said: “This was just another very good solid Simmental bull who had excellent conformation, was very square from behind, carried a good top line. Purchasing this bull was well-known Orkney bull buyer Liam Muir of Upper Onston, Stromness, Orkney. Orkney buyers were again to the fore with eight bulls sold on the day heading to the islands.
Backmuir Nuckles 10,000gns
The final bull to make 10,000gns, and who stood second in the last class to the day’s Reserve Overall Champion, was Backmuir Knuckles from the Simmers family. May 2022 born this bull is by the homebred Backmuir King who stood as Male Champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show. Knuckles is out of Starline Lorette who is a Kilbride Farm Duke daughter. Buying this bull was the well-known and high profile Corskie herd of Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers.
Corskie Nohow 9,500gns
Corskie was again to the fore when selling the day’s Senior Champion and winner of Class One Corskie Nohow (P), a bull with length, power, and who is heterozygous polled, for 9500gns to repeat buyer A Nicolson, Relugas Mains Farm, Dunphail, Moray. January 2022 born this bull is out of Corskie Jubliee VG 87, and is one of the first sons from Rathnashan Kellog’s EX 94 who was purchased as a young calf from Southern Ireland. Kellog’s is the sire of Corskie Miami this year’s Junior Champion at the Royal Highland.
OTHER LEADING PRICES 9,000gns Lot 307 Kilbride Farm Neville PP sold to John M Sutherland, Sibminster & Stainland, Thurso, Caithness 9,000gns Lot 318 Jaw Nato sold to G R Morton, Church Farm, Gamlesby, Penrith 9,000gns Lot 373 Islavale New York sold to A & J Craig, Craigton Castle, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire 8,500gns Lot 349 Islavale Norman sold to Robert Bell & Partners, Craigo, Levenview, Westhall, Kinross 7,500gns Lot 332 Kersknowe Neptune sold to J Gunn, Carsgoe, Halkirk, Caithness 7,000gns Lot 377 Backmuir Nemisis sold to Douganhill Farms, Orchardton Mains, Palnackie, Dumfries
Overhill House Neo with the Backmuir & Overhill House teamsChampion & Reserve Champion presentationSenior Champion presentationJunior Champion presentationIntermediate Champion presentationGroup of three
In a massive endorsement of British Simmental’s commercial abilities, data from AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations has confirmed that on average, calves by a Simmental sire finish 36 days earlier than those by continental sires and 46 days earlier than calves by native sires; Simmental sired calves can cost £72 less to finish; and that fast finishing equates to 5.4kg less CO2 equivalents. The data also highlights the advantages of Simmental females with continental sired calves out of Simmental dams finishing 29 days earlier than the average of all suckler dams!
AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations produce EBVs for five carcase and three maternal traits for all breeds and crossbred cattle across the UK. Rather than using performance recorded data, data is collated nationally from BCMS, as well as many of the UK’s largest processors and abattoirs. This database includes records from over 3 million animals slaughtered in the last 10 years, which allows AHDB to estimate the genetic merit of beef cattle, including over 500,000 sires, for days to slaughter, carcase weight and EUROP scores.
Days to slaughter has a huge effect on the efficiency of a farm. Animals which take longer to finish cost more in terms of feed, so reduce overall profit. These animals also produce more greenhouse gases and so reducing days to slaughter reduces the carbon footprint of your beef. In the National Beef Evaluations, Simmentals rank highly for this trait in Continental Breeds (August 2023and have, on average, the best genetic merit for reducing days to slaughter. The actual performance data of Simmental bred offspring can also be looked at to see how this translates to actual performance.
Across all types of dams (blue bars), offspring of registered Simmental sires have the lowest average days to slaughter.
On average, calves by a Simmental sire finish 36 days earlier than those by continental sires and 46 days earlier than calves by native sires.
Finishing cost per day can vary but if we assume a cost of £2 per day, Simmental sired calves will cost on average, £72 less to finish than the average of all continental sired calves.
This reduction in days has a corresponding reduction in environmental impact. The UK government estimate that the average animal produces 151g of CO2 equivalents per day. This means that on average, calves by a Simmental sire, finishing 36 days earlier, will produce 5.4kg less CO2 equivalents.
It’s important to remember that a bull only provides half of the genetics inherited by a calf. The other half comes from the dam.
Across the average of all continental sired calves, those out of Simmental dams finish 29 days earlier than the average of all suckler dams, showing that using Simmental cows is another great strategy to reduce finishing costs.
Commenting, British Simmental Cattle Society President Norman Robson said: “British Simmental is a hard-working, no nonsense beef breed that delivers on all-round performance and profitability for commercial beef producers and these figures confirm and highlight that. In the forward industry with a pressure on costs, there really is going to be a premium on efficiency. Simmentals are showing here, in data over ten years, that they give you more both maternally and terminally. Industry leading at age at slaughter whether sired by a Simmental or out of a Simmental dam, significant reduction in finishing costs, and lower emissions meeting environmental challenges. Add that to the breeds well established maternal qualities of easy and regular calving, milk, fertility, and longevity and its just good economics for beef producers.
“Earlier in the year the Simmental Bull Buyer’s Survey saw the commercial performance of the breed get a 94% approval rate. These latest figures hugely add to that and as breeders we will collectively keep working hard at producing Simmental cattle to meet the needs of commercial producers.”
The released data comes on the eve of the Stirling Simmental Bull Sale due to be held at United Auctions, Stirling on Monday 23rd October.
It’s a cost-conscious industry and beef producers continue to future-proof their herds and key in on the efficiencies and value that Simmental genetics can deliver. The Simmental’s benchmark is their milk, fertility, calving ease, temperament, and abilities to rear a fast-growing calf without creep feeding. Add in that AHDB data continues to show the breed as the number one continental breed for age at slaughter, and it just collectively highlights that adding Simmental genetics gives you super maternal performance and top-class carcass traits. See here the latest sales and sections topped by Simmental cattle in September:
Aberdeen and Northern Marts, on 28th September at Thainstone, sold 299 Cows and Bulls to average £1385.54 or 189p Per Kg. Beef Finished Cows (102) averaged £1664.51 and sold to £2110 for a 1022kg Simmental cross from Lower Hobbister, Stennes. At a sale of prime cattle on the same day, Young Bulls sold to £2247.15 gross for a 1065kg Simmental from Drumsleed, Fordoun.
Also at Thainstone on 28th September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts held a sale of Cast Cows and Bulls from Orkney consignors. Beef Cows sold to £2,110 gross for a 1022kg Simmental from S & J Sclater, Lower Hobbister, Stenness. Young Bulls sold to £1,657.10 gross and to 227p per kg for a 730kg Simmental from G W & E Wilson, Howequoy, Holm.
In a sale at Skipton on 27th September, RD Elliott of Tadcaster sold fleshy Simmentals at £1780 and £1660, with Simmentals topping the feeding cow averages at £1498.
On 27th September Harrison & Hetherington held their weekly sale of calves at Carlisle. Top price was £650 from regular travelled consignor Messrs Connell, East Drummodie for an outstanding Dairy x Simmental. In the heifers, Connell Farms topped the Simmental section at £475.
Dungannon Farmers Mart on 27th September saw steer prices remain steady to peak at £1860 for a 705kg Sim (264.00) presented by J Casey, £1720 645kg Sim (267.00), £1580 605kg Sim (261.00).
In a sale of calves at Oswestry on 27th September, Simmental bulls sold to £245 (twice), £242 & £240 from J R James & Son, Church Farm.
On 26th September at Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd sale of prime cattle, prime bullocks averaged 233.0 per kg and sold to 243.0p per kg for a 710kg Simmental cross from Allanglach Farm, Kessock and £1,758.40 gross for a 785kg Simmental cross also from Allanglach Farm.
In a sale of calves and weanlings on 26th September at Brockholes Arms Auction Mart, Preston, a consignment of suckler bred Simmentals at 4/5mo from Melvyn Knowles and Nicola Mason lead the way selling to £650 for heifers and bulls to £565 with other heifers to £540 and £515. On the same day, the market topped at £2201 for a Simmental stock bull C & J Bennett.
In a sale of calves and stirks at Ayr on 26th September, bullock stirks were topped by a Simmental Cross at £1240 from Bowfield.
On 25th September, Penrith & District Farmers’ Mart LLP held their fortnightly sale of Prime Cattle. A selection of well-fed young Simmental bulls topped at £1806.88/245.5ppk for 736kg from Messrs Pearson, Manor Farm, purchased by Jewitt Meat Company, with this consignment of four averaging £1722.84/244ppk.
At Rugby market on 25th September, the trade for cows was topped by a Simmental in the PPK and PPH from Greyhound Estates weighing 770kilo and 220ppk to £1694.
At Tiree on 23rd September, UA’s sale of store cattle saw top price go to a Simmental Bullock from C Coghill, Middleton at £1550.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts on 22nd September at Thainstone sold 1248 Store Cattle & Weaned Calves. Heading the bullocks between 501-550kg was Kingshouse with a SimX at £1,700. Leading the 551-600kg bullocks was Cott of Holland with a SimX £1,785. Topping the 601-650kg section was Kingshouse with a SimX at £1,740. 651-700kg saw Cott of Holland lead again with a SimX at 265p, whilst Hallbreck led the 751-800kg bullocks with a SimX at 248p. In a sale of 261 Weaned heifer Calves, the top gross price was £1880 for a 540kg Simmental cross from Towie, New Aberdour.
At Frome’s store cattle sale on 22nd September, Simmentals were to the fore in many of the categories. Crossbred Simmental cows with Charolais calves from Richard & Jeff Stevens were eagerly sought and often £1500 – £1750 and twice over £1800 peaking at an amazing £1900! In the young continentals, high quality Simmentals 15mo from Mickey Lovell had a storming trade at £1262. More super Simmental (12mo) from RE Dury at £1140. Simmental steers wanted and sold well to £1262 (only 15mo) from Mickey Lovell of Southampton. Good feeding Simmental steers also wanted and sold to a fast trade at £1158 (22mo) from Rob Harrison & family of Babcary.
Also at Thainstone on 22nd September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts had a total of 180 Store Cattle forward from Orkney Consignors. Heifers Sold to a top of 309p per kg for a 492kg Simmental from G M R & F Sandison, Hindatoon, Harray.
At Hallworthy on 21st September, a grand entry of 375 store cattle forward sold to a packed ring of buyers, as the beef keeps creeping up the store trade remains very strong. Top call was £1645 for an outstanding run of Simmentals forward from AP & DJ House of St Issey, others to £1500, £1480, £1450, £1425 and £1360.
At Thainstone on 21st September, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 226 Cows and Bulls to average £1578.19 (+96.66) or 205p. Boning Cows averaged £767.85 and sold to £850 for a 496kg Simmental cross. Beef Finished Bulls averaged £1834.64 and sold to £2170 for a 1240kg Simmental from Ballaggan, Dores. On the same day and a sale of Cast Cows, Bulls and Prime Cattle forward from Orkney consignors, beef cows sold to 261.7p per kg for a 630kg Simmental from K D Eunson, Braebuster. Mature Bulls Sold to £1,810 for a Simmental from D P Nicholson & Co, Quoys, South Ronaldsay.
On Wednesday 20th September Harrison & Hetherington held their weekly sale of calves at Carlisle with 401 head forward. ‘Simmentals were in high demand’ at £505 from Messrs Spence, Haregills Farming Company.
At Dungannon Farmers Mart on 20th September, fat cows sold to a height of £1770, for an 865kg Simm (205.00) presented by S Casey.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 118 Calves and Stirks at their weekly sale on 19th September at Ayr. Heifer stirks were topped by Simmental Crosses at £1000 and £900 from Langalbuinoch.
At the sale of store cattle at Brockholes Arms Auction Mart, Preston, on 19th September, the stronger cattle were the headline catchers today. Mr M Sacker, Longton, led the way with a 16mth old Sim x at £1580.
Within Lawrie & Symington’s sale of prime cattle on 18th September at Lanark, the section of cast cows and bulls saw beef cows sell to a top of £1970 for a Simm from Messrs MacLean, Kilblaan Farm, Campbeltown who had another at £1850.
C & D Auction Marts held their fortnightly sale of store cattle in Dumfries on 18th September 2023, with 442 forward. Bulls were led by a Simmental at £1400 from Hartbush.
In a sale of busk calves and stirks at Sedgemoor on 16th September, top price rose to £1020 (13m) for a Simmental steer from RH Gibson & Sons, who sold others to £985 (13m) and £950 (3x 12m). In a sale of 529 non-export calves on the same day, top was £410 for a strong 1m Simmental for P Frost, who sold another at £375. Other young Simmentals to £310 RJ Edwards.
At Thainstone on 15th September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts saw a total of 331 Store Cattle forward from Orkney Consignors. Conventional Heifers sold to 328.2p per kg for a pair of 454kg Simmentals from P & E Budge, Burn, South Ronaldsay. Heifers between 451-500kg were led by Burn St Margarets Hope with a SimX at 328.2p.
At Exeter on 15th September, a sale of 175 stirks and suckled calves saw another good trade in particular for the suckler bred types with the best from Julie Bullock in from Down St Mary selling Simmental cross steers to £900 (10m).
At Thainstone on 14th September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts held a sale of Cast Cows, Bulls and Prime Cattle from Orkney consignors. Mature Bulls Sold to £2,010 gross for a 1188kg Simmental from H & I Sinclair, Braehead, Stromness. On the same day, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 206 Cows and Bulls to average £1481.53 (205ppk) Beef Feeding Cows (83) averaged £1301.51 and sold to £1685 for a 754kg Simmental from Wellheads, Huntly. Bulls averaged £1669.06 and sold to £2010 for a 1188kg Simmental from Braehead, Cairston.
SIMMENTALS LEAD BULLOCKS AND HEIFERS AT UA’S SALE OF 1406 STORE CATTLE At Stirling on 13th September, United Auctions sold 1406 store cattle & young bulls. Bullocks (654) – averaged 278.68p to 328.50p per kg for a 277kg SIMX from Greenhill. Heifers (732) – averaged 269.08p to 316.10p per kg for a 465kg SIMX from Burnbrae. Strathisla Farms led the OTM bulls with a Simm at £2110.
At a sale of store cattle at Oswestry on 13th September, the top price was a cracking £1445 (311p/kg) paid for a Simmental steer aged 13 months sold by P L Davies, Sarnau. Leading the gross prices at £1630 (302ppkg) was a 17-month-old Simmental steer (pictured) from RE Jones & Son, Maesllymystyn, Foel, Welshpool. Simmental bulls sold to £300 from I G Evans & Son, Pendugwn, to lead the calf trade! In a sale of calves and stirks at Melton Mowbray on 13th September, some storming calves forward, with quality flying. Top of the tree saw Chandler & Dickman selling to £395 for Simmental heifer calves. Top stirks saw J Fuller over from Kings Lynn with Simmental x Steers to £760 at 7 months.
In the sale of prime cattle at Truro on 13th September, topping the steers on the day was a cracking run of bullocks from Messrs R E, G L & M R Body of Hayle with their Simmental x flying away at 269p/kg to R J Trevarthen Ltd of Roskrow.
In a sale at Ayr on 12th September, the trade for cast cows was led by a Simm at £1900 from Barscarrow.
At Thirk’s sale of store cattle on 12th September, young bulls were in demand and sold to £1500 for a Simmental X from RW Inglis, Howden.
Within Lawrie & Symington’s sale of prime cattle on 11th September at Lanark, the trade for young bulls was led at £1870, and 272p per kilo for Simms from East Merkland.
In a sale of prime cattle at Sedgemoor on 11th September, heifers sold to a tremendous £1,801.10 for a 719kg Simmental from TR Michell, who sold another at £1,781.50 (700kg).
At Hallworthy on 11th September and the TB restricted market report, 160 cattle through Hallworthy TB with a very solid trade. Top spot saw W E Uglow of Telash with a super Simmental x steer strong and plenty of power to £1500, his next in the ring realising £1400.
In a sale of prime bulls at H&H’s Carlisle, Borderway Mart on 11th September, Simmentals sold to £2208.47 for 1107kg from Messrs Ward, West Mains, Lanark purchased by Alan Jarvis, and to feature in the leading prices.
At Skipton’s sale of 139 stirks on 9th September, Sim bullocks from JE Greenwood, Denholme sold to £890 to lead the trade.
In Sedgemoor’s sale of 1099 store cattle, grazing cows, and stirks on 9th September, top was £1775 for two huge Simmental steers from CE Hepher, West Sussex.
Aberdeen and Northern Marts on 8th September, sold 399 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves at Thainstone. Heifers (144) averaged 277.5p and sold to 351.8p per kg for a 398kg Simmental Cross from Bogs of Kininmonth, Kininmonth.
In a sale of 508 store cattle and stirks at Exeter on 8th September, a couple of stunning Simmentals (26m) topped the heifer section, and the sale overall, when selling for a massive £1800 apiece for Alan Brazier of Poltimore.
On 7th September at Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 168 Cows and Bulls to average £1,540.60 (+ £51.55, 210p per kg). Beef Feeding Cows (67) averaged £1,374.77 (+2.02) and sold to £1,730 for a 792kg Simmental Cross from Veltigar, Tankerness.
On 7th September and a sale of 394 weaned calves at Whitland Mart, the trade was hot on all types through and through. Top of the day was £1,220 for a 15 mth Simmental weaned bull from Harvey, Rhoscrowther.
At Hallworthy’s sale of 170 store cattle on 7th September, G H A & M U Faull of Helston saw his top of a tremendous run of 25 cattle to £1535 for a deep bodied and well fleshed Simmental x Steer, and to feature in the top prices.
In a sale of stores and breed cattle at Melton Mowbray on 6th September, a handy summer show kicked off with the first part of the herd dispersal on behalf of LJ & T Jones, selling British Blue Cows with Simmental Calves to £1780, with others to £1750 and £1720.
On 7th September at Huntly and UA’s sale of store cattle and OTMs, the OTMs saw a top gross of £2120 for a Sim from Corskie, Garmouth.
C&D Auction Marts Limited had a large offering of cast cows forward on 7th September at Longtown and although the majority were non-farm assured, a brisk trade was met throughout. The sale topped at £1,311 for a Simmental from TL Hogg & Son, Ryehills, Canonbie.
SIMMENTALS LEAD STORE BULLOCKS & HEIFERS; YOUNG BULLS; & BREEDING CATTLE AT STIRLING At Stirling on 6th September, United Auctions sold 1009 store cattle & young bulls. Also 148 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls. Also sold was 182 Breeding cattle. Bullocks (620) sold to £2000 for a 802kg SIMX from West Bank. Heifers (368) sold to £1885 for a 662kg LIMX from Nether Dalkeith. Young Bulls averaged 255.74p to 275.60p for a SIMX from Glenturk and £1775 for a SIMX from Glenturk. Beef Cows and Bulls (117) – averaged 191.26p to 262.90p per kg for a SIMX from Blackburn. The 182 breeding cattle saw Cows & Calves topped by a Simmental from Balrobert at £2300. Other Simmental cows & calves – Scallisaig £2050 & £2000×2; Maidencoats £2000 x2; Kiloran £1800, £1700 & £1650. A Simmental from Tulloch Farms led the in-calf heifers at £1720.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 121 Calves and Stirks at their weekly sale at Ayr on 5th September. Top Price Stirk was £1240 x 2, for a pair of Simmental Cross Heifers off Messrs Stevenson & Son, Auchenflower.
At H&H’s primestock sale at Carlisle on 4th September, an increased entry of 300 cast cows and stock bulls was forward with all classes being sharper on the week. Messrs Goldie, Newbie Mains sold the top priced cow, a 965kg Simmental, at 215.5p totalling £2079 to Frank Smart.
C & D Auction Marts held their fortnightly sale of store cattle in Dumfries on 4th September 2023 with 320 Forward. Heifers to £1390 for Simms from Millhill Farms and 288.5p/kg for Simms from M&R Weir, Dressertland.
At the sale of store cattle on 2nd September at Worcester, the top price per kilo steer was a 17 month old Simm from J Moore at 236ppkg.
At Thainstone on 1st September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts had a total of 71 Store Cattle forward from Orkney Consignors. Bullocks Sold to a top of £1,600 gross for a 566kg Simmental from K D Eunson, Braebuster, Deerness.
Following hot on the heels of the Stirling Simmental Bull Sale on Monday October 23rd is the much-anticipated Complete Dispersal Sale of the Heathbrow Polled Simmental Herd of David & Lesley Sapsed, High Heath Farm, Codicote, Hitchin, Herts.
The published catalogue is now out and you can view it by clicking here.
A highly noted herd the Heathbrow Polled Simmental Sale will offer some 90 head and including 30+ cows with calves at foot; 10 in-calf heifers; 14 yearling heifers; and 2 bulls.
In the 28 years of the herd, the Heathbrow object in breeding polled Simmentals has remained the same throughout and with David & Lesley choosing Simmentals because of their milking ability and rapid growth. The main principles of cattle breeding for them are a substantial cow with good locomotion and, importantly, temperament as they jointly look after the cattle.
Keep an eye on Facebook for further updates and profiles as the sale now quickly approaches in October.
The sale catalogue for the Stirling October Simmental Bull Sale, due to be held on Monday 23rd October, at United Auctions, Stirling Agriculture Centre.
To see the full catalogue of 112 bulls, click here.
If you would like to drill down further on any of these bulls to view their back pedigrees and performance information then click here.
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