by Nicky Moreton | Nov 11, 2024 | 2024 News, 2024 Other Shows, 2024, 2024 Scottish News
DRUMCLOG, AND BOWHILL THE SIMMENTAL ‘STARS’ AT STIRLING
- Drumclog Richard takes the Junior honours
- Bowhill Petal wins Senior Championship
- Jim Goldie Jnr wins the Young Handler Championship!
First time ‘big winners’ was the name of the game at Stirling as the Bowhill and Drumclog herds, took the Simmental Championships at the prestigious Stars of the Future Calf Show held on Saturday, 9th November, at United Auctions, Stirling Agricultural Centre.
Overall Junior & Junior Male Champion Drumclog Richard
Judge for the day, John Barlow of the Denizes Herd, Four Oaks, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire found his Overall Junior Champion, and Junior Male Champion, in the shape of the April 2024 born Drumclog Richard from Robbie Hamilton, Allanton Farm, Darvel, Ayrshire. This young bull is by Islavale Echo 2 13 EX 92, and is the first calf out of Islavale Margarita, a Wolfstar Elusive daughter. Commenting on his Junior Champion the judge John Barlow said: “What a good calf this is and he caught my eye the second he walked into the ring! The youngest in the catalogue he has good size for his age, is very calfy, and full of style and character. With a great top, and straight lines to him, he also walked extremely well. Full of potential, Drumclog Richard has every chance to go on and make a high-end breeders bull.” It was quite a debut for 23 year old Robbie Hamilton, a sheep auctioneer at United Auctions, with Drumclog Richard being his first ever Simmental calf, and his first time ever showing! Islavale Margarita was purchased privately from Stewart Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith and with straws of Islavale Echo 2 13 EX 92 being given as part of a luckpenny. The Drumclog herd presently comprises of three females, with a view to increasing it to ten cows in the future, and is run alongside the herd of Luings at home. From here Drumclog Richard will be used and then with a view to him being aimed at a sale thereafter.
Overall Senior & Senior Female Champion Bowhill Petal
It was a day for Ayrshire based herds with the Overall Senior Champion being Bowhill Petal from Rachael Reid, D&R Holdings, Low Bowhill Farm, Newmilns, Ayrshire.
Sired by the 26,000gns Pistyll Kingsman, who is also the sire of the record breaking 46,000gns Overhill House Neo, the September 2023 born Bowhill Petal is out of Overhill House Mary, a heifer bought at Caledonian Marts, Stirling, fundraising sale for £4000 with proceeds going to children’s charities in Ukraine. Speaking afterwards David and Rachael said: “Overhill House Mary has a lovely, quiet nature and this has rubbed off on Bowhill Petal who has been so easy to work with. This is the first year that we have been on the show scene and we’re just absolutely thrilled to win the Overall Senior Championship at an event like Stars of the Future. Bowhill Petal is definitely a keeper! The aim is to have her on the show scene next year and to go on and breed from her.”
Establishing the Bowhill prefix and joining the Society in 2023, the Bowhill herd has a base of breeding stock bought from the Overhill House herd of Richard McCulloch, and presently comprises of twelve breeding females with five in calf or near calving.
Reserve Junior Male Champion Blackford Revel 24 (P) ET
Reserve Junior Female Champion Blackford Raggiana (P) (ET)
It was a successful day for the Blackford herd of WG MacPherson (A Firm), Blackford Farm, Croy, Inverness who took the Reserve Junior titles in both the male and female sections. Placing second in his class to the Overall Junior Champion, and going on to take the Reserve title was the February 2024 born Blackford Revel 24 (P) (ET). Heterozygous polled, this calf is an embryo calf by the multi-title winning bull Heathbrow Important 17 (P) EX 93, and is out of Blackford Aero EX 92, a Kilbride Farm Strabane daughter, and whose previous progeny include the 2017 Royal Highland Simmental Champion, Blackford Galaxy. A ‘well made bull, with super conformation’, Blackford Revel 24 (P) ET will hopefully be destined for Stirling in October 2025. Taking the Reserve Junior Female title was the March 2024 born Blackford Raggiana (P) ET). Again an embryo calf sired by Heathbrow Important 17 (P) EX 93, this calf is out of Blackford Wagtail VG 86, a Kilbride Farm Strabane daughter. Blackford Wagtail’s progeny most notably includes the breed’s previous record priced bull, the 45,000gns bel Dhu Capercaillie.
Reserve Junior & Junior Female Champion Delfur Roxy
Reserve Senior Male Champion Delfur Pocket Rocket
Taking the Overall Reserve Junior Championship, and Junior Female Champion, was Delfur Roxy from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. From a strong breeding line on both sides of the pedigree, this ten-month-old heifer is by Woodhall Instinct 17, and is out of Delfur Hells, a Clonagh Tiger gallant (ET) daughter. Woodhall Instinct has sired sons up to 16,000gns at Stirling, and Delfur Hells has been a terrific breeding female in the herd. It was another strong day for the Delfur team, and herd manager Garry Patterson, with Delfur Pocket Rocket also winning the Reserve Senior Male title. Taking the red ticket in the second class of bulls, Pocket Rocket is one of the first sons of the 28,000gns stock bull Islavale Magnum purchased at Stirling in October 2022. Described as ‘a modern type Simmental with a good top, and shape’, Delfur Pocket Rocket may be shown at LiveScot later this month before being aimed at the May Sale in Stirling next year. Prolific in the show ring, the Delfur team took the Reserve Senior Female Championship at Stars of the Future last year, and arrived at this event having won the Reserve Overall & Reserve Senior titles at the recent Simmental Youngstock Show at Carlisle.
Reserve Overall Senior & Reserve Senior Female Champion Coltfield Perfect
Winning the Reserve Senior Champion and Reserve Senior Female titles was Coltfield Perfect from the 4-breeding female herd of Cameron MacIver, Wester Coltfield, Forres, Moray. September 2023 born, Coltfield Perfect stood second in her class to the day’s Senior Champion and followed her through to take the Reserve position. This heifer, noted as being the standout from last year’s crop of Coltfield calves, first in her class at the Scottish Simmental National Show and was also first at Grantown Show. Her dam, Coltfield Katie, took Senior Female Champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2021. Coltfield Perfect is sired by Rockytop Invader who has bred very well in the herd with bulls selling 11,000gns. Moving forward, Coltfield Perfect will be put in-calf in the spring time and after calving, and all being well, will hopefully again be shown as a mature cow. Commenting generally, Cameron MacIver said: “We’ve had a great day and are delighted to win the Reserve Senior ticket. Stars of the Future is a terrific show that we like to support and it’s extremely well run. The cattle shown are just weaned, not pushed in any way, and we think it’s a real showcase for the Simmental breed.”
Senior Male Champion Newbiemains Priceless
Completing the Championship line up was the Senior Male Champion, Newbiemains Priceless from Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbiemains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire. August 2023 born, Newbiemains Priceless is by Auchorachan Hercules 16 (ET) EX92, who has bred well since joining the herd in 2022, and is out of Newbiemains Lots’o’honey EX 91, a Skerrington Iceman 17 EX 95 daughter. Speaking afterwards Jim Goldie said: “We think Newbiemains Priceless is a really well-balanced bull, who walks very well, has great length and good breeding on both sides of his pedigree.” Provisional plans sees this bull being aimed at the Stirling Sale in February.
Young Handler Champion Jim Goldie
The show for the Goldie family, and Newbiemains Priceless, had started with a bang when, on the previous evening, there was a big win for Jim Goldie Junior who was crowned the show’s Overall Young Handler Champion, and won the Royal Smithfield Club trophy and clippers kindly sponsored by McCaskie’s. Through the competition, ‘wee Jim’ was handling Priceless. It was a great follow on from the Simmental Youngstock Show in the previous week at Carlisle and where Jim won the Junior Young Handler class.
SIMMENTAL RESULTS, 2024 STARS OF THE FUTURE PEDIGREE CALF SHOW
– judged by John Barlow, Denizes Simmentals
Junior Championship Drumclog Richard & Delfur Roxy
JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Overall – Drumclog Richard from Robbie Hamilton
Reserve – Delfur Roxy from Delfur
Junior Male – Drumclog Richard from Robbie Hamilton
Reserve – Blackford Revel from WG Macpherson
Junior Female Championship Delfur Roxy & Blackford Raggiana
Junior Female – Delfur Roxy from Delfur
Reserve – Blackford Raggiana from WG Macpherson
CLASS 7 – Junior Female
1st – Blackford Raggiana from WG Macpherson
2nd – Goldstar Ruby from J&C Hodge & G Jack
CLASS 6 – Junior Female
1st – Delfur Roxy from Delfur
CLASS 5 – Junior Male
1st – Drumclog Richard from Robbie Hamilton
2nd – Blackford Revel 24 (P)(ET) from WG Macpherson
3rd – Coltfield Result from Cameron Maciver
4th – Maidenlands Rolo (9) from Dean Saunders
5th – Goldstar Rabbie from J&C Hodge and G Jack
SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Overall – Bowhill Petal from Rachael Reid
Reserve – Coltfield Perfect from Cameron Maciver
Senior Male Championship Newbiemains Priceless & Delfur Pocket Rocket
Senior Male – Newbiemains Priceless from the Goldie family
Reserve – Delfur Pocket Rocket from Delfur
Senior Female Championship Bowhill Petal & Coltfield Perfect
Senior Female – Bowhill Petal from Rachael Reid
Reserve – Coltfield Perfect from Cameron Maciver
CLASS 4 – Senior Females
1st – Bowhill Petal from Rachel Reid
2nd – Coltfield Perfect from Cameron Maciver
3rd – Newbiemains Pippa from the Goldie family
4th – Newbiemsins Penny from the Goldie family
5th – Castlewigg Explorer Girlie 3 from Frank Gwynne
6th – Springfield Pippa from Gavin Brown
CLASS 3 – Senior Females
1st – Chestermann Explorer Stella from N&N Gwynne
2nd – Castlewigg Gibble J-lo from Frank Gwynne
CLASS 2 – Senior Males
1st – Delfur Pocket Rocket from Delfur
CLASS 1 – Senior Males
1st – Newbiemsins Priceless from the Goldie family
2nd – Springfield Pentagon from Gavin Brown
3rd – Blackford Polaris 23 (P) from WG Macpherson
4th – Braidwood Panther from Miss L Moffat
5th – Innerwick Prime 23 from Mr & Mrs L Moffat
by Nicky Moreton | Oct 24, 2024 | 2024, 2024 North West News, 2024 Scottish News, 2024 Other Sales, 2024 Stirling Sales, 2024 News
- 15 cows & calves average £5474
- 2 In-calf heifers average £6,195
- 3 Maiden heifers average £5250
- Sale grosses £110,250
- Denizes Production Sale tops at 8000gns, 7000gns, and 6000gns
Finishing with more than a flourish, the full and final Dispersal Sale of the Broombrae Simmental herd of Gordon Clark, Broombrae Farm, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Fife met with a tremendous trade in front of a packed ringside of buyers at United Auctions, Stirling on Monday 21st October.
Leading the way was two cow and calf units, each at 8000gns. With almost all of the lots, cows and calves, and heifers, exceeding the 5000gns mark the Broombrae sale was arguably the strongest on a busy all-breeds day! The sale grossed an outstanding £110,250 for the 35 head in all and throughout the three days of the Stirling Sale, the pens had been busy with new and established breeders, from Orkney to Norwich, looking through the quality lots on offer.
Established in 1987, the herd was built around proven breeding lines and with a breeding aim to have healthy, easy managed cows with milk, good udders, and of good temperament. This shone through in the cattle presented which had a real consistency, freshness, were full of length, and doing a great job of their calves at foot. The cows, with their calves at foot, had all run with Newbiemains Nightrider from the end of May to September, and then with Coltfield Maciver.
Broombrae Delight R6 – daughter of Broombrae Delight L11, 8,000gns for the outfit.
The first of the outfits at 8000gns was the second calver Broombrae Delight L11 who was sold with her heifer calf at foot Broombrae Delight R6, sired by Coltfield Maciver 21. August 2020 born, Delight L11 is by the herd’s noted stock bull Lisglass Goldstar 15, and is out of the Corskie Copper daughter Broombrae Delight F4. With a Maternal (Milk) figure of +11, Broombrae Delight L11 with her heifer calf was purchased by Mr & Mrs L Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Dunbar, East Lothian for their Innerwick pedigree herd.
Broombrae Delight M20 and Delight R7 8,000gns
Also at 8000gns was another from the Delight line in the shape of Broombrae Delight M20, and sold with her April 2024 born Camus Harold sired heifer calf at foot, Broombrae Delight R7. Broombrae Delight M20 is also by Lisglass Goldstar, and is out of the Peasiehill Engelbert daughter Broombrae Delight H2. Buying this unit was Jim & Patricia Goldie for their Newbiemains herd at Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire. Of his top price purchase Jim Goldie said: “We saw the Broombrae animals the day before and picked out one or two including Broombrae Delight M20 and her calf. A lot of the cows forward had really nice calves at foot. Delight M20 is a good, well balanced correct cow, is back in calf to Newbiemains Nightrider so all being well will produce a quality calf in the spring. She has a good calf on her at present and which we might have a look to show next year.”
The sire of the top two prices, Lisglass Goldstar, featured heavily in the sale and has been an influential sire in the herd with numerous bulls into five figures having sold into pedigree and commercial herds. Lisglass Goldstar was also voted Simmental Champion of Europe in 2021!
Broombrae Delight K1 with calf Delight R3, 6,000gns for the outfit
At 7000gns, and continuing the demand for the Delight line, A&R Brownlie, Melrose, Roxs purchased the March 2019 born Broombrae Delight K1, sold with her Camus Harold sired March 2024 born heifer calf Broombrae Delight R3 at foot, for their Sylvestris pedigree herd. This cow, again a third calver, and with a Maternal (Milk) figure of +11, is sired by Corskie Elgin, a Greencap Ace son. Later in the day, Broombrae Delight N23 (P), a daughter of Delight K1, made 5800gns.
Two lots sold at 6000gns. The first of these was the August 2021 born first calved heifer Broombrae Rosina M13, who was sold with her heifer calf at foot, Broombrae Rosina R5 sired by Coltfield Maciver. Broombrae Rosina M13, who had a Maternal (Milk) figure of +12, is another by Lisglass Goldstar, and is out of Broombrae Rosina E40 who was the top price at the herd’s sale in February this year. Purchasing this outfit was Binn Agricultural Ltd, Glenfarg, Perthshire.
Broombrae Delight N22 6,000gns
Also at the 6000gns mark was the top price heifer in the sale, Broombrae Delight N22. Yet another by Lisglass Goldstar, this heifer sold as PD’d in calf, is out of Broombrae Delight I15 and carried a Maternal (Milk) figure of +10. Champion at Fife Show this summer, Broombrae Delight N22 heads to Orkney having been purchased by JD Flett, Stank Farm, Stromness.
Broombrae Delight H13 5,800gns
The catalogue ‘cover girl’ and described as ‘probably the best breeding cow for sale’ was Broombrae Delight H13 who made 5800gns when selling with her sixth calf at foot, the April 2024 born Camus Harold sired heifer calf Broombrae Delight R9. The March 2016 born Delight H13 is sired by Peasiehill Engelbert 13, and is out of the Team Wisconsin daughter Broombrae Delight F13. Broombrae Delight H13 is the dam of Broombrae Major who sold to Cogent, Broombrae Nijinsky who sold to a top commercial herd, and also Broombrae Delight P10 who sold for 5000gns later in the catalogue. Purchasing this outfit was Gavin Brown for his Springfield pedigree herd at Penicuik, Midlothian.
Broombrae Delight N23 5,800gns
Also at the 5800gns mark was the aforementioned heterozygous polled in-calf heifer Broombrae Delight N23 (P). November 2022 born, this heifer is by Innerwick Logan (P), and is out of the 7000gns Broombrae Delight K1 (sold earlier in the sale). Buying this lot was Michael Halligan for his Netherstewarton herd at Eddleston, Peebles.
OTHER LEADING BROOMBRAE PRICES
5,200gns Lot 642 Broombrae Snowdrop M17 & bull calf Radar 24 sold to Macfarlane Farms Ltd, Quixwood Farm, Duns, Berwickshire
5,200gns Lot 648 Broombrae Lorey K10 & heifer calf Lorey R1 sold to G D Key & Son, Mundham, Norwich
5,000gns Lot 643 Broombrae Rosina I21 & bull calf Rocky 24 sold to T Clark & Sons, Abbey Farm, Madderty, Crieff
5,000gns Lot 659 Broombrae Harriet P2 sold to AJR Farms Ltd, Milton of Collieston, Ellon, Aberdeenshire
5,000gns Lot 660 Broombrae Delight P10 sold to O J & J M Barker, Easter Yardhouses, Carnwath, Lanark
5,000gns Lot 661 Broombrae Harriet P13 sold to D & S Calder, Braes of Grandtully, Aberfeldy, Perthshire
8000GNS DENIZES MATILDA 6TH TOPS HERD PRODUCTION SALE
Bringing a busy Simmental Sale day to a close on Monday 21st October at Stirling, was the Production Sale from the 80-cow Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Ulnes, Nr Leyland Lancashire that saw highlight prices of 8000gns, 7000gns, and 6000gns.
Denizes Matilda 6th & 20th 8,000gns for the outfit
Topping the sale, and with the 8000gns joint leading female price of the day, was the May 2020 born Denizes Matilda 6th (ET) who was purchased with her first calf at foot, the April 2024 born Denizes Matilda 20th, sired by Hiltonstown Lorenzo 20. Denizes Matilda 6th is sired by Denizes Impressive who was sold to the Popes herd for 10,000gns and is out of the noted Raceview Beauty Matilda. Purchasing this outfit, with Matilda 6th being back in calf, was Sam Steggles for his growing 40-cow Wacton pedigree herd at Honingham, Norfolk. Commenting, Sam Steggles said: “Coming to Stirling we had seen the pictures of this outfit and really liked the Raceview breeding in the pedigree. In the flesh we thought the heifer calf was terrific, perhaps the best in the market, and she has all the potential to go on and be an outstanding female. We’re thrilled to introduce Matilda 6th into the herd with the breeding behind her, and with the potential she brings.”
Denizes Melody 22nd and 62nd 7,000gns
Selling at 7000gns was the nine-year-old Denizes Melody 22nd who was sold with her April 2024 heifer calf at foot, Denizes Melody 62nd, a Hiltonstown Lorenzo daughter. Melody 22nd is by Bosahan Dynamo 12, and is out of the Ashland Tornado sired Denizes Melody 10th. Melody 22nd has had progeny at 7000gns, and her grandson Denizes New Orleans sold for 22,000gns at Stirling in May this year. With Denizes Melody 22nd PD’d in-calf, this outfit was purchased by James Hodge for his establishing Goldstar herd at Dundonald, Ayrshire. Speaking afterwards James Hodge said: “We’re establishing a pedigree herd and Denizes Melody 22nd along with her heifer calf brings a depth of breeding and with the potential of a foundation female. Melody 22nd is fresh looking for her age, with great maternal characteristics.”
Denizes Trixie-Belle 24th 6,000gns
At 6000gns was the top priced maiden heifer in the shape of the June 2023 born Denizes Trixi-Belle 24th. This heifer’s maternal brothers include the 20,000gns Denizes Monty, and the 10,000gns Denizes Impressive. Sired by saltire Impressive 17 and out of Denizes Trixi-Belle 6th, this heifer was also purchased by Sam Steggles who said: “Again this is a flashy heifer with plenty of style that we really liked. There’s a depth of breeding as well that will also be new to the herd. Trixi-Belle 24th ticked a lot of boxes for us and we hope she will go on and be part of the Wacton herd show team next year.”
by Nicky Moreton | Oct 23, 2024 | 2024 News, 2024, 2024 North West News, 2024 Northern Ireland News, 2024 Scottish News, 2024 Stirling Sales
- 28,000gns Kilbride Farm bull a joint NI Simmental record
- Top price also the record for a homozygous polled bull
- 19 bulls sell at 7000gns and over
- 49 bulls sold through the ring to £7434
The homozygous polled bull Kilbride Farm Prince 23 (PP) from WH Robson & Sons, Doagh, Ballyclare, sold for 28,000gns to lead the Simmental trade, and take the all-breeds top price, at United Auctions, Stirling on Monday 21st October. The 28,000gns, which is the top all-breeds price at Stirling this year, is also a joint record for a Northern Irish Simmental bull.
Sale top price, and Reserve Intermediate Champion, Kilbride Farm Prince 28,000gns in the pre-sale show the previous day, this April 2023 born bull had stood as Reserve Intermediate Champion under the judge, Neil McIlwaine of the noted Corrick herd, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone, after having been placed first in his class.
Newly elected BSCS President Chris Martindale, left, with judge Neil McIlwaine
Combining visual, pedigree, and performance, Kilbride Farm Prince 23 (PP) is entirely homebred being by Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P), and out of Kilbride Farm Fanni 68J (P), a Kilbride Farm Gruffalo daughter. With terrific performance figures, Prince 23 (PP) had a top 1% Maternal (Milk) figure of +13, the joint highest in the catalogue, and top 5% figures for growth and Terminal, and top 10% for Self-Replacing. Come sale time this bull quickly went through the sale gears before being knocked down to the 80-cow Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. Commenting afterwards John Barlow said: “This is just a tremendous bull in himself and the best homozygous polled bull we’ve seen. He just ticked so many boxes having a ‘wow factor’ in himself, but having the figures and pedigree to match, and of course being polled, a trait which there is increasing demand for. We’d seen his picture on Facebook and we liked him even more when we saw him in the flesh. From here we’ll look to use him on Denizes Hamish daughters, and in time Corskie Nugget daughters, but we’re excited to have him and to see his progeny in due course.”
For the noted 100 cow Kilbride Farm herd, who over the years have had numerous high prices, and seven Overall Supremes at both Perth and Stirling, it was a top price for the herd to date eclipsing the 22,000gns for Kilbride Farm Foreman in 2016, and of course a joint record for a Simmental bull from Northern Ireland. Speaking on behalf of the Kilbride Farm team, Norman Robson who was on the same weekend the outgoing President of the British Simmental Cattle Society after a two year term, said: “Having introduced the polled gene slowly, and at the same time maintaining the qualities that the herd is known for, it has been a goal for some 30 years to breed a homozygous polled bull of this quality. We’re delighted with the sale today and hope Kilbride Farm Prince 23 (PP) goes on to breed well in his new home.” The sire of Prince 23 (PP), Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P), has previously bred bulls to 13,000gns x 2, and in 2023 was the Male Champion in the Society’s popular Virtual Show.
The sale itself saw 49 bulls sold through the ring, and 53 in all, to average £7434. Six bulls made over five figures, and nineteen in total were sold at 7,000gns or more. The top price aside, the sale was dominated by commercial producers competing for the first quality bulls of their choice. Speaking after the sale, the incoming BSCS President Chris Martindale who runs the noted Forsdale herd at Coedfa, Oswestry, Shropshire said: “There continues to be a real confidence in the Simmental breed at present, and it’s great to see the strength in the sale today again being driven by commercial producers. With a focus on efficiency, added value, and performance, the Simmental maternal traits of milk, easy calving, fertility, temperament, and producing growthy, easy fleshing calves year on year, are a foundation benchmark that producers are very much looking for in their suckler herds. We would of course have liked to have seen more bulls sold today but the numbers are perhaps reflective of where these backend sales are at present and with the pressures we’re seeing on cow numbers in the industry generally.”
Overall Supreme Champion, and Senior Champion, Popes Premier 15,000gns
There was a huge ringside roar when Popes Premier was tapped out, and led by Jimmy Wood!
Selling at 15,000gns was the pre-sale Overall Supreme Champion in the shape of Popes Premier 23 from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston. Having won Class Two, followed by the Senior Championship, this January 2023 born bull literally raised the roof with a huge ringside roar of approval from the packed ringside crowd greeting the ‘judges tap’ in what was a hugely popular win and a special moment for Jimmy and Vikki at ringside, and the Wood family.
A bit of a theme at the sale, Popes Premier is again entirely homebred being by Popes Lethal Weapon and out of the multi title show winning, Popes Princess Immie, whose grand dam is the herd’s famous show cow, Popes Princess Cleo. In his own right last year, Popes Premier 23 won the Simmental Pedigree Calf Championship and National Pedigree Calf Show Interbreed, at the English Winter Fair. This year he won the Male Championship and Reserve Overall to his stablemate Popes Princess Noor, at the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show, and was Reserve Male Champion at the 2024 Simmental English National Show held within the Royal Lancashire. Commenting on his Overall Champion, the judge Neil McIlwaine said: “This bull in my mind is a high end breeder’s bull. He just stood out with his power, length and super locomotion. In prime condition he had great lines throughout, was full of breed character and showed himself so well on good legs. He’s one of the best Simmental bulls I’ve seen at Stirling.”
Going commercially, Popes Premier 23 was purchased by the noted Islay Estates, Bridgend, Isle of Islay. Islay Estates runs an extensive in-hand farming operation over a large area of the Estate. The farming practices and livestock on the ground vary as the land and topography ultimately dictate what is possible. Livestock are reared naturally on the hill and on the in-bye land, where they graze all year round.
Of winning the Supreme Championship and the Stirling Sale, Vikki Wood said: “It’s been an emotional weekend and we’re over the moon to have won the pre-sale show. Premier has been such an honest calf from day one, just a lovely bull to work with and a perfect gent. Sunday was very much the icing on the cake with him! We very much wish Islay Estates all the best with him”.
Junior Champion Islavale Private 12,500gns
Bringing another top team of bulls to Stirling was the prolific Islavale herd of WS Stronach & Son, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, who sold seven in all to gross £64,050, and average a mighty £9150. Included within that was the winner of the last class of the day and the Junior Champion, Islavale Private 23 who made 12,500gns when selling to Ayrshire and the commercial producer JH Logan & Co, Dalfask Farm, Girvan. Continuing the theme, this May 2023 born bull is entirely homebred being by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93 and is out of Islavale Keely EX 91. Speaking afterwards Michael Logan said:
“I hadn’t gone to the sale necessarily with the intention of buying and was actually running a wee bit late. But looking at the bulls beforehand this bull just really caught my eye. He had tremendous length and is a really strong, powerful bull for his age. We’ve purchased from Islavale previously and the bulls have done really well so we’re happy again to pay the price for a bull of this quality.” Islavale Private will be used in the Dalfask commercial herd which comprises of purebred Simmentals, Simmental x Salers, and Lim x Friesians.
In addition to the 12,500gns price further Islavale bulls made 11,000gns, 9500gns, 9000gns x 2, 6000gns, and 4000gns. Both the Junior Championship and Intermediate Championship was secured, along with the Reserve Overall, and with the herd also picking up the Group of Three award. The Junior Champion prize marked the fifth in a row the herd has won this title at February and October Stirling Sales. Another fantastic ‘day at the office’! The herd’s three top prices were all sired by the homebred Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93, his first sons at Stirling, and described as the best son of Corskie Highlander the herd has bred. This bull was also the sire of Islavale Peaches the Weaned Calf Champion at the 2023 Next Gen Sale who made 9000gns. Commenting generally on the day, Stewart Stronach said: “We’re very pleased with the day and to see a retained stock bull get on so well with his first progeny at Stirling. In terms of the bulls our aim remains to produce bulls from strong maternal lines that are not too extreme, with good growth figures and milk, that have length, good tops, and are square over their plates.”
Innerwick Phoenix 12,000gns
Selling at 12,000gns was Innerwick Phoenix 23 from Mr & Mrs L Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Dunbar, East Lothian. At the pre-sale show this April 2023 bull had stood second in his class to the Intermediate & Overall Reserve Champion. Sired by Greencap Jaeger 18, who was purchased by the Moffat’s from Stirling in October 2019, and who was Junior Male, Overall Junior, and Reserve Male Champion at the Royal Highland Show 2019, Innerwick Phoenix 23 is out of Innerwick Gazelle, a Lambclose Bacchus daughter. With good Terminal and Self replacing Indexes, this bull went north when purchased by W&J Brown, Hilton of Culsh, New Deer, Turriff.
Intermediate Champion and Reserve Overall Supreme Islavale Popeye 11,000gns
The Intermediate Champion and Reserve Overall Supreme was another from the Islavale team and in the shape of Islavale Popeye 23. This April 2023 born bull is another by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93 and is out of the second calver Islavale Keepsake (ET) VG 87. Making 11,000gns this bull was purchased by repeat buyer A& J Craig, Craigton, Castle Douglas who run 380 Simmental cross cows. Commenting, Stephen Williamson the herd manager said: “We’re delighted to get this bull and who has very good milk figures. We’ve purchased previously from Islavale and the bulls have gone on to leave a very strong base of cows in the herd.” Of his Overall reserve Champion the judge Neil McIlwaine said: “This was another terrific bull. Again he had plenty of power with great lines to him, width through the top, and depth through into his hindquarters. He moved extremely well and is a quality bull that could do both jobs.”
Kilbride Farm President 10,000gns
Following on from their top price sale, the Robson family were back in the money when selling the heterozygous polled bull Kilbride Farm President 23 (P) for 10,000gns to J Lawrie, Newton of Arbirlot, Arbroath, Angus. This April 2023 born bull is sired by the herd’s new stock bull Hiltonstown Lachlan, who is ‘breeding very well’ in the herd and is out of a Sneumgaard Imperator (PP) daughter, K F Eunice 245I (P), who has already bred Kilbride Farm Lancer (P), the Reserve Junior Champion at Stirling in February 2022. Another bull with top performance figures, Kilbride Farm President (P) is in the top 1% for Self-Replacing Index; top 5% for growth, and Terminal Index, and top 10% for milk.
Islavale Perseus 9500gns
Back to the Islavale pen and the March 2023 born Islavale Perseus made 9500gns when selling to the pedigree and commercial Garrison herd of DJ Cleland, Glebe Farm, Hereford. With both parents classified EX93, this bull again by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93, and out of Islavale Dream EX93, carried a joint top Maternal (Milk) figure of +13, and with Self replacing and Terminal Indexes in the top 5%, and top 1% respectively. Commenting afterwards Mr Cleland said: “We run 340 Simmental and Charolais crosses but with the aim to increase the Simmental influence. We were looking for a bull with good breeding behind him, performance figures, and who was darker in colour. This bull had all of that and a tremendous length and power to him. He’ll be used in due course within both our commercial and pedigree herds.”
Quarryhill Pablo 9000gns
Four bulls in all made 9000gns and the first of the was the winner of class three, Quarryhill Pablo 23 from Geoff & Kate Anderson, Wester Greens Farm, Lossiemouth. In September 2022, Geoff & Kate purchased Annick Desiree’s Joy EX 90, and her heifer calf at foot, for a combined 12,500gns. In calf to Kilbride Farm Karl 19 (P), Quarryhill Pablo 23 is the resulting calf. A good muscled bull with positive calving figures, this bull was bought by noted commercial producers J R Graham & Ptnrs, Greenshields, Biggar, Lanarkshire.
Delfur Pegasus 9000gns
Second prize in the same class, and again at 9000gns was the heterozygous polled bull Delfur Pegasus 23 (P) from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. This March 2023 born calf is by Woodhall Instinct 17, and out of Delfur Joy, an Islavale Cassius daughter. Another bull to go south, and to be used on both pedigree and commercial cows, Delfur Pegasus 23 was purchased by JW Gosmore & Partners, who run the Newton House herd of 120 head in all at Newton House Farm, Chester. Of Delfur Pegasus John Gosmore said: “I was looking for a bull with conformation and to use in our suckler herd of Simmental Limousin crosses, and also with the quality for the pedigree herd. This bull has the shape, has good feet and legs, walked extremely well, and looks to have a very good temperament which is important to us.”
Islavale Preston 9000gns
Islavale Pepe 9000gns
Two bulls from Islavale made 9000gns. The first at this mark was the March 2023 born Islavale Preston. This bull is Coose Lincoln, who has bred sons to 13,000gns, and is out of Islavale Glee. With a top 15% Calving Ease figure of +3.2, this bull was purchased by J Anderson & Son, Headshaw, Lauder, Berwickshire, for their predominantly Simmental herd of 135 suckler cows. Speaking afterwards James Anderson said: “We picked this bull out at the pre-sale show and are really pleased to have got him. He’s very correct, had a good top line, width and shape, and walked very well. With a good head and breed character, he just had a presence to him and he’s got good figures as well. The Simmental breed as a whole have very good maternal traits, are milky and make good mothers. This bull will go into the suckler herd for those qualities and to breed replacements for the future”. The final bull at the 9000gns mark was the third prize winner Islavale Pepe 23. March 2023 born, this bull is by Curaheen Giant, who has had sons up to 16,000gns, and is out of Islavale Ashley 7 GP84. This bull was bought by Robert Bell & Partners, Craigo, Milnathort, Kinross.
Reserve Supreme Champion Corskie Pot 8500gns
Standing second in his class to the Overall Supreme Champion and Senior Champion, and who himself was Reserve Senior Champion on the day, was Corskie Pot 23, from Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers. This January 2023 born bull is by Rathnashan Kellogg’s EX 94, and is out of Corskie Kettle EX 90. Purchasing Corskie Pot 23 was commercial producer W A Wilson, Hutlerburn, Ettrick, Selkirk. Rathnashan Kellogg’s EX94 has had progeny sell to date up to 9500gns at Stirling, and has sired the Overall Junior Champion at the Royal Highland, and the Reserve Male at this year’s Highland and Simmental Scottish National Shows. In addition to the 85000gns price, Corskie sold eight bulls on the day and with other prices including 7000gns, 6500gns x2, and 5500gns.
Scotland Hill Peter 8500gns
Up from Doncaster, Tom Hill, Mill Farm, Wadworth made 8500gns when selling the shapely Scotland Hill Peter 23 to Caithness and W M Barnetson & Sons, Lynegar Farm, Wick. April 2023 born, Scotland Hill Peter 23 is Clonagh Mighty Ab Fab, a Manor Park Hansome son, and is out of Scotland Hill Ivonne, a Glenturk Extra Special daughter.
Reserve Junior Champion Pitmudie Princeton
Winning class nine and taking the Reserve Junior Championship was the stylish Pitmudie Princeton 23 from Heather Duff, Pitmudie Farm, Menmuir, Brechin. April 2023 born, Pitmudie Princeton is by Hiltonstown Irish 17, and is out of Pitmudie Babe from the herd’s noted Manor Park Babe line. With a show track record behind him, through the summer this bull won the Reserve Beefbreeder Interbreed title at the Royal Highland and was Reserve Overall Junior Champion at the Simmental Scottish National Show. Hiltonstown Irish 17, was purchased at Stirling in October 2018 for 8500gns. Come sale time this bull was bid to 8500gns, not quite meeting the reserve, and with the Duffs thinking so much of him that he has been retained for use in the Pitmudie herd.
OTHER LEADING PRICES:
7,500gns Lot 245 Coltfield Philadelphia sold to J E & B L Goddard, West Logan, Castle Douglas
7,500gns Lot 198 Coltfield Peter sold to H H & A Swanson, Tister Farm, Halkirk, Caithness
Pitmudie Pitcairn 7200gns
7,200gns Lot 223 Pitmudie Pitcairn sold to A D Sutherland & Sons, Kellas Farm, Elgin, Morayshire
Ranfurly Principal 7000gns
7,000gns Lot 264 Ranfurly Principal sold to T G Hamilton, Killumpha Farm, Port Logan, Wigtonshire
Corskie Puma 7000gns
7,000gns Lot 176 Corskie Puma sold to H Macdonald, Mains of Dalvey, Advie, Morayshire
Inverdunning Parker 7000gns
7,000gns Lot 204 Inverdunning Parker sold to A & H Grant, Pathcondie Farm, Cupar, Fife
Overall Champion Popes Premier with the Wood family, judge Neil McIlwaine, Jonathan Gunn, and Galbraiths representative.
Senior Champion presentation
Intermediate Championship presentation
Junior Championship presentation
Islavale Group of 3 winners
by Nicky Moreton | Sep 13, 2024 | 2024, 2024 Scottish News, 2024 Other Sales, 2024 News
- 7 Simmental bulls make £7000 and over
- 14 Simmental bulls average £6586
The Working Genes production sale from the McGowan family at Incheoch, Perthshire met a keen trade for an entire clearance, and with a strong demand and average for the Simmental bulls offered.
Incheoch Patrick 23 (PP) £10,200
Topping the trade at £10,200 was the dark red, homozygous polled Incheoch Patrick, with his attractive EBV profile including trait-leading calving ease and top end muscle and maternal (milk). A popular bull out in the field, this Auroch Deuter son was snapped up by James Hamilton, Aikengall, East Lothian, who over a combined three farms, Aikengall, Nunraw, and Barney Mains carry 900 spring calving Simmental cross suckler cows and accompanying finishing unit, and run some 25 Simmental bulls.
A three quarter brother to Patrick also sold at £8400 to Bruce Hogg, Birkenside. Incheoch Piccine is a single poll, with an equally impressive set of stats.
Incheoch Paragon 23 (P) £9,000
Another high seller was Incheoch Paragon P, a top 1% growth figured polled bull and son of the powerful homebred Incheoch Keystone 19 (PP). He was the pick of William Young, Skerrington Mains, Hurlford, Kilmarnock at £9000.
Incheoch Panama 23 (P) £7,800
A further four Simmental bulls sold for £7000 and over. Aikengall took another red, polled bull with a good maternal history, the Gibby’s Real Deal son, Incheoch Panama (P) for £7800. At £7600 was the homozygous Incheoch Porthos PP, a homozygous polled Incheoch Keystone 19 (PP) son from a particularly fertile and efficient cow line, who sold to Janice Laird and Alpha Simmentals.
Incheoch Porthos 23 (PP) £7,600
A Slievenagh Joker son, the easy-fleshing Incheoch Percy (P), was knocked down for £7400 to Jamie Gilchrist, buying for Ettrickshaws Farm. The McRae family at Tillyfour took Incheoch Polestar (PP), a son of Dirnanean Apostle for £7000.
Incheoch Percy 23 (P) £7,400
Commenting at the end of the sale, Neil McGowan said: “The online bidding format allowed many of the buyers to bid from home on a rare decent harvest day, though most had previously viewed the bulls. A good crowd on the day were particularly impressed with the temperament of these Simmental bulls, as they gently grazed and lazed in the paddocks next to the sale yard on the farm.”
Incheoch Polestar 23 (PP) £7,000
by Nicky Moreton | Aug 30, 2024 | 2024 Scottish News, 2024 News, 2024
- October 2022 born heifer Delfur Weigela N12 wins Overall Supreme Champion
- Newbiemains Prague places Overall Reserve
- 2024 competition sees 457 entries, up by 26 on the year, over six classes
Delfur Weigela N12, the October 2022 born heifer from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour is this year’s winner of the 2024 British Simmental Virtual Show. The fifth staging of this event, which has become the UK’s largest online pedigree show, saw 457 animals entered over six classes and from 87 breeders around the country.
Doing it the ‘hard way’, Delfur Weigela N12 initially came through the year’s largest class of 134 entries, for heifers born between 1st January 2022 and 31st July 2023, which was judged by Adrian Ivory of the Strathisla herd, Blairgowrie before securing the Female Championship from Anne MacPherson of the Blackford herd, Croy.
This year’s Overall Supreme Championship was judged by the British Simmental Cattle Society’s President Norman Robson of the Kilbride Farm herd, Ballyclare and saw Delfur Weigela N12 get the nod in front of the Male Champion, the February 2023 born Newbiemains Prague from Jim and Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan.
Commenting on his Champion, Normon Robson said: “This is a really well balanced female. She has a level top line, is very clean, shows a tremendous back end without being over muscly, and has a good tail setting. With plenty of femininity, she shows natural fleshing, and sound, correct feet and legs. I think she’s a very worthy Champion and is the type of high quality heifer that epitomizes the ongoing strides of improvement that Simmental breeders have been making over a number of years.”
Hearing the news of this Championship win just prior to the public announcement, Delfur herd manager Garry Patterson said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to hear that Delfur Weigela has won the 2024 Simmental Virtual Show! We were really delighted to win what was a huge class and with Delfur Nifty also taking second place. It’s been a terrific competition with a very high standard throughout, and just a great advert for the Simmental breed. Of Delfur Weigela N12, Garry went on to say, “Along with Delfur Nifty, Weigela has done really well at the backend shows last year and through this summer and has just continued to improve and come on. In shaping and developing the Delfur herd these are the type and quality of heifers we hope to continue to breed and build around.” Delfur Weigela N12, who is by Ballymoney Larry 20, and out of Delfur Weigela E12, an Auchorachan ACDC 09 9 daughter, has been served by the herd stock bull Islavale Magnum which was purchased for 28,000gns at Stirling in October 2022.
Of the ongoing popularity of the Simmental Virtual Show, Iain Kerr the British Simmental Cattle Society General Manager said: “First and foremost it’s a huge thank you to all of the breeders who have had a go and put forward entries for this year’s competition. Over 450 animals from 87 breeders is just terrific and the standard throughout reflects extremely well on the depth of quality within the Simmental herdbook. The competition is proving to be extremely popular with breeders and gives them an opportunity to come together, have a bit of fun and compete on a national level. From the numbers of people watching week on week, both in the UK and internationally, it really is a great promotional showcase for British Simmental and we’ve again had some terrific feedback. Plans are already underway for the 2025 competition!”
All of this year’s classes, entries, and videos can be viewed on the Society’s Facebook page.
by Rachel Foley | Aug 13, 2024 | 2024, 2024 North West News, 2024 East Anglia News, 2024 Scottish News, 2024 News
- Simply Peter Pan sold to the Wacton herd of RE & SHW Steggles
- Strathisla Pentagon joins the Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons
The importance of the show circuit as a ‘shop window’ for breeders to promote top quality cattle has again been highlighted with the news that two high achieving Simmental bulls through the 2024 summer have been sold in respective private deals.
At the 2024 Simmental English National Show, held within the Royal Lancashire Show, the January 2023 born Simply Peter Pan from Robert, Louise, & Margaret Fitton, Moss Hall Farm, Lostock, Bolton, won the Male Championship, Junior Male, and Overall Junior titles in front of the judge Stewart Stronach of the Islavale Herd in Keith, Banffshire. Seeing this stylish bull at first hand was fellow exhibitor Sam Steggles of the Wacton herd, Fieldings, Honingham, and further to family chats, and discussions, a deal was done with him being sold for £11,000 and joining the Wacton team when heading back to Norfolk following the show!
Simply Peter Pan 23 – Male Champion, Junior Male and Overall Junior Champion, English National Show 2024
Commenting, Sam Steggles said: “We hadn’t gone to the show with the view of buying a bull but we saw Simply Peter Pan being unloaded at the Royal Lancashire and just liked him a lot straight away. He’s a modern Simmental bull with length and shape, very clean, is good on his legs, and has a lot of breed character. There’s proven breeding behind him and he’s got very good performance figures. We’re delighted to get him and excited to see his progeny in due course.” Joining the 50 head Wacton herd, the initial aim is to take some semen from the bull before putting him to a handful of cows in the backend, and with him put to more cows come next Spring having settled in.
Full of Northern Irish breeding, Simply Peter Pan is by Ashland Magic and is out of Derrycallaghan Kitkat (ET) who was bought at three months of age from breeders H C Stubbs & A A Burleigh, Ballindarragh. Kitkat herself was Junior Champion at the Simmental Calf Show in 2019 at Borderway Agri Expo, and with her dam Corskie Vesna being a top breeding female with many of her progeny being sold at Stirling bull sales.
For the ten cow Simply herd it was a terrific couple of days with the Simmental English National Show prizes being the ten-cow herd’s highest awards to date, and followed by a private sale to a pedigree herd. Speaking afterwards Rob Fitton said: “In the run up to, and through the show, we said that we thought this bull is the full package of looks, breeding, and performance. His sire was bought for length, colour, and figures, and his dam is a thick set cow. He’s clean with width, end, and no gut, carries a +9 figure for Maternal (Milk), and is +109 for Self-Replacing Index.” Continuing he went on to say: “We’re over the moon that Simply Peter Pan is going to Sam and his noted Wacton pedigree herd. When a pedigree man comes and buys an animal that you have bred it’s just great and there’s a little added bonus as you know that his name will appear on certificates for years to come. We wish the Steggles family every success with him.”
Come the autumn and Rob Fitton will be taking two half-brothers of Simply Peter Pan to the Stirling Simmental Bull Sale in October.
The second private sale has seen Strathisla Pentagon, from Strathisla Farms, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, head south when selling to the Denizes Herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Near Leyland, Lancashire, and this time for £10,000.
Strathisla Pentagon at the Royal Highland Show 2024
This April 2023 born bull stood first in a strong class at the Royal Highland Show when judged by Michael Durno of the Auchorachan Herd, Glenlivet Ballindalloch. With some breeding connectivity, Strathisla Pentagon is by Denizes Logic 20 VG89, and is out of the Dirnanean Grafter 15 EX93 daughter Strathisla Jitterbug’s Haka VG85.
Commenting on this purchase, John Barlow said: “This bull just caught my eye for the tremendous length he had coupled with his power and weight for age. His sire comes from a strong female line that we obviously know very well, and he’s got some tremendous performance figures behind him. We think he’ll be a good fit with daughters of our primary stock bull Corskie Nutmeg, and we’ve already used him on Denizes Hamish heifers.” Corskie Nutmeg was also purchased privately, following last year’s Royal Highland, for £32,000.
With exceptional performance figures, Strathisla Pentagon is in the breed’s top 1% for both Self Replacing and Terminal Production Indexes, the top 1% for 400 & 600 day growth, top 1% for Eye Muscle, and is +9 for Maternal (Milk).
This is the second Denizes Logic 20 bull that the Strathisla herd have sold privately recently and with a further seven sons, the first crop to be offered at sale, heading to Stirling in October. Of Denizes Logic 20 and this private sale, Strathisla Farm’s Adrian Ivory said: “We’re delighted with Denizes Logic 20 and he’s breeding very consistently and to a type. His progeny have length, shape, are easy fleshing, and with great daily live weight gains from birth. We’re really delighted with the sale of Strathisla Pentagon to a noted herd like Denizes.”
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