by Iain | Dec 1, 2025 | 2025 Other Shows, 2025 Northern Ireland News, 2025 News, 2025
Report from Cara Moore, NI Simmental Cattle Breeders Club
Simmental breeders from around Northern Ireland and Scotland flocked to Ballymena Livestock Market on Saturday 22nd November for the Annual Four Breed Calf Show with fellow Saler, British Blonde and British Blue clubs. The expert judge for the event was Heather Duff from the Pitmudie herd, Menmuir, Angus, an experienced young breeder with a multitude of ribbons of her own from shows across Scotland including the Royal Highland Show.
It was the Ranfurly herd of WD and JD Hazelton, Dungannon who cleaned up on the day winning Overall Senior Heifer and Overall Senior Champion with Ranfurly Jade 2nd, Reserve Senior Champion with Ranfurly Renegade, Junior Bull and Overall Junior Champion with Ranfurly Supremo, as well as taking the Pairs title. Additionally, Hiltonstown Sadie from Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone was crowned as Reserve Junior Champion.
Ranfurly Jade 2nd, Overall Senioer Heifer & Overall Senior Champion
Commenting on her Senior Heifer and Overall Senior Champion, Heather noted, “She has everything I’d look for in a Simmental female. She is full of breed character, had great presence in the ring. She is very feminine, smart and stylish, with a lovely head on her good top line and plates, good locomotion and clean lines about her”. From the Ranfurly herd, David said “We take great pride in this heifer bred by our homebred bull Ranfurly Limelight, who sold for 16,000gns at Stirling Bull Sales in February 2022.” Jonny reports that Ranfurly Renegade, Senior Bull and Reserve Senior Champion, is the “half brother to the highest price heifer production sale in 2024, Ranfurly Weikel 52nd, who sold for 8,000gns and is out of same dam, Ranfurly Weikel 18th.”
Heather Duff, Pitmudie herd, judge for the day.
Also, for the Junior Bull and Overall Junior Champion, Heather named him as “a very smart stylish young bull that immediately caught your eye in the ring. (He had) good length and shape about him with a good top line also good over the plates.” Commenting on this calf, Jonny notes this is “a half-brother to the herd’s primary show heifer from this year, Ranfurly Weikel 56th, Reserve Supreme and Junior Champion at the RUAS Balmoral Show 2025 and the Overall Reserve, Reserve Female, Performance Recorded Heifer and Overall Junior Champion at the breed’s National Show at Clogher Valley Show 2025, both out of homebred dam, Ranfurly Weikel 37th.”
Ranfurly Supremo S1 (P), Junior Bull & Overall Junior Champion
Ranfurly Supremo S1 (P), Jade 2nd, and Renegade
Heather would “like to thank the committee again for asking me to judge the show and the exhibitors for bringing out a tremendous high quality show of cattle making my job very hard indeed!”
In the Senior Bull Class of calves born on or after the 1st of September to the 31st December, Ranfurly Renegade was placed first, followed by Coolcran Rafiki from Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, Ashland Romeo, from Frank Kelly, Tempo, in third, Clonagh Sergant Fab and Craigy Ranger, from W J Dodd, Saintfield, coming in at fourth and fifth.
Ranfurly Renegade, Senior Bull & Reserve Senior Champion
For the Senior Heifers of the same age, Ranfurly Jade 2nd took prime position, Coolcran Vesnas Roxette from Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, took second, Dermody Susie Princess, Connor Wilkinson, Lisburn, placed third, Rawbawn Stella, Stephen McCauley, took fourth and Craigy Anastasia, W J Dodd, Saintfield, placed fifth.
For the first class of 2025 born bull calves, Ranfurly Supremo came in first, Hiltonstown Salvador, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, placed second, Coolcran Spartan, Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, came in third, Pointfarms Sonic took fourth, Matthew Cunning, Glarryford, Ashland Silvester, Frank Kelly, Tempo took fifth and Coolcran Simba, Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, placed sixth.
For the heifer class of the same age, Hiltonstown Sadie, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, was placed first, Bridgewater Farm Wisteria 5th, Nigel Glasgow, Cookstown, took second, Craigy Kerla S2, W J Dodd, Saintfield, came in third, Ashfurly Weikel’s Stella, Alan and Julie Wallace, took fourth, and Craigy Beatrice S1, W J Dodd, Saintfield, came in fifth.
Hiltonstown Saide, Reserve Junior Champion
For bull calves born on or after the 1st April, Pointfarms Senna, Matthew Cunning, Glarryford, placed first, Ballyrory Simba, Ryan Connell, Strabane, took second, Ballinalare Farm Supremo and Ballinalare Farm Superman, J and A Wilson took third and fourth.
Pointfarms Senn from Matthew Cunning
For the heifers, Rathnashan There She Goes, Susan McCullagh, took first, Lisglass Sapphire and Lisglass Silverbell, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, took second and third, Ballyrory Skye and Ballyrory Sapphire, Ryan Connell, Strabane, came fourth and fifth with Ballinalare Farm Sugarbabe, J and A Wilson, took sixth.
Rathnashan There She Goes
In the pairs section, first was claimed by WD and JD Hazelton, Dungannon, followed by the Hiltonstown herd of Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, and Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo with their Coolcran pair.
Thanks must go to all Ballymena Livestock Market, sponsors, committee members and all other individuals who helped make the event such a success.
by Iain | Nov 28, 2025 | 2025 Other Shows, 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025
Delfur Supernova, Overall Champion
Delfur Shakira Overall Reserve Champion
Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour, lit up a small but quality section of Simmentals to win both the Overall and Overall Reserve Championship at the 2025 Livescot event held on Friday 21st November at Lawrie & Symington’s Lanark Agricultural Centre.
Delfur Supernova, 2025 Livescot Simmental Champion
Judging the Simmental section was Donal MacLean, Balfron who tapped out the January 2025 born bull calf Delfur Supernova as his breed Overall Champion. Sired by the 28,000gns stock bull Islavale Magnum 21, and out of Delfur Hells, a Clonagh Tiger Gallant daughter, Delfur Supernova’s full brother, Delfur Prince was the 15,500gns top price at this year’s Stirling May Sale. Supernova, shown on the day by Olly Patterson the son of herd manager Garry Patterson, also won the Reserve Junior Male Championship at the recent Stars of the Future Calf Show. He will now be aimed at the Stirling Sale in May 2026.
Taking the Overall Reserve was team mate Delfur Shakira. January 2025 born, Shakira is one of the first calves by the herd’s newest stock bull, the 13,000gns Kilbride Farm Nebulus 22, and is out of Delfur Nightingale, an Innerwick Ivor daughter. Again, Shakira was a first prize winner at the aforementioned Stars of the Future.
A Delfur win double for Delfur Supernova, and Delfur Shakira
With an excellent track record at Livescot, this is the Delfur herds second Championship one-two, with eh same feat being achieved in 2023 with Delfur Nifty and Delfur Weigela N12.
In the bulls at this year’s event, and taking the red ticket in the class for born between 1st July 2024 and 31st December 2024, was Merkland Rory from local breeders Jim & Elizabeth Dyet, East Merkland Farm, Strathaven. November 2024 born, Merkland Rory is by the noted Annick Nazareth 22, a past Male Champion at the Royal Highland, and is out of Merkland Dina 21, an Islavale Huntly daughter.
Winning the class for heifers born between 1st July 2024 and 31st December 2024 was Springfield Rose from Gavin Brown, Penicuik. This July 2024 born heifer is by the herd’s noted stock sire Islavale Jabba 18 EX 92, and is out of Springfield Idol, a Team Celtic 11 daughter. With a little track record behind her, Springfield Rose has placed second in her class at both the Royal Highland, and the Simmental Youngstock Show at Carlisle.
Simmental Results
Judge: Donald MacLean, Balfron.
Class 1036 Bull born between 1st July 2024 and 31st December 2024
1st – J &E Dyet; East Merkland Farm – Merkland Rory
2nd – J &E Dyet; East Merkland Farm – Merkland Rocket
Class 1037 Bull born after 1st of January 2025
1st – Delfur Farms; Dundurcas Farm- Delfur Supernova
2nd – Gavin Brown; Springfield – Springfield Strongbow
Class 1038 Heifer born between 1st July 2024 and 31st December 2024
1st – Gavin Brown; Springfield- Springfield Rose
2nd – Delfur Farms; Dundurcas Farm- Aultside Royalty
3rd – Frank Gwynne; Castlewigg Farm – Chestermann Explorer Lulu 4
Class 1039 Heifer born after 1st of January 2025
1st – Delfur Farms; Dundurcas Farm- Delfur Shakira
2nd – Frank Gwynne; Castlewigg Farm – Castlewigg Ringleader J-Lo 2
3rd – Gavin Brown; Springfield – Springfield Skylar
Champion – Delfur Farms; Dundurcas Farm- Delfur Supernova
Reserve – Delfur Farms; Dundurcas Farm- Delfur Shakira
by Iain | Nov 24, 2025 | 2025 Midlands News, 2025 Welsh News, 2025 Other Sales, 2025 News, 2025
8200gns a record for a Simmental bull sold at auction in Wales
Top price Cow & Calf as a unit 7300gns
104 lots grosses £336,163
29 Cows & Calves as units average £6,161
12 Cows & calves as units make 6000gns or more
85 lots sold into Wales
Two stock bulls gross 14,400gns
Buyers from across Wales and England ensured a terrific trade at the complete Dispersal Sale of the noted Lambclose Simmental herd, Greasley Estate, Nottinghamshire, held at Welshpool Livestock Market on Thursday 20th November.
In all 85 out of the 104 cattle sold found new homes in Wales, and with other lots heading as far north as Cumbria. Speaking at the sale Welshpool auctioneer Glandon Lewis, who sold on the day, said: “This is a herd which has had a deep-rooted breeding philosophy, built on over three decades of steady, structured selection by Lady Barber and her team. The focus has always been on fertility, structure, temperament, and light-coloured, modern Simmental types. These are real no nonsense, proven cattle and you can see the quality of them here today.”
The lots on offer were sold to a number of new breeders, along with established breeders, and commercial producers. Cows and calves were sold separately but pairing them as units, the top price was 7300gns, with twelve units making 6000gns and more, and the twenty nine units in all averaging a terrific £6,161.
8200gns Popes Laertes
However, with the progeny there for all to see, and with many of the females back in calf to him, it was the stock bull Popes Laertes 20 who made the day’s top price of 8200gns, and setting a new record mark for a Simmental bull sold at auction in Wales. This five year old bull, bred by the Wood Family, Preston, Lancashire, is by Camus Harold 16, and is out of the Banwy Wonderboy daughter, Popes Nellys Dazzler EX 9. In the breed’s top 1% for Maternal (Milk), and with very good calving ease figures, this bull was originally purchased by Lambclose for 9000gns at Stirling in October 2021. Buying on the day was D Edwards, Gors Fawr, Aberystwyth, who presently runs a suckler herd of approximately forty Simm, and Simm X cows, and who is looking to establish a pedigree herd. Other purchases on the day saw Mr Edwards purchase the four-year-old Lambclose Madam Etta, PD’d in calf to Popes Laertes, along with her heifer calf at foot Lambclose Sandy, by Denizes Mombassa for a combined 6600gns (4100gns and 2500gns). Late in the sale Lambclose Nirvana, a three year old Corskie Inlaw 17 daughter, Pd’d in calf to Popes Laertes, was purchased for 4000gns.
Selling at 7300gns was Lambclose Lacey at 4400gns, and with her heifer calf Lambclose Sasha at 2900gns. This five year old cow, by Chestermann Irfon 17, back in calf to Denizes Mombassa, was bought by Hill Farm, Spalding, Lincolnshire. Her January 2025 calf at foot, sired by the top priced Popes Laertes, was one of a number of purchases by AJ Clifton, Heathcote Farm, Market Drayton who run a 60 cow commercial herd featuring Simmental, Limousin, and Shorthorn genetics. On the day the Cliftons, again looking to establish a pedigree herd, purchased a cow and calf unit, three further cows, and three heifer calves.
7300gns Lambclose Lacey (4400gns), with Lambclose Sasha (2900gns)
At a combined 7100gns was the six year old Lambclose Kara at 4100gns, with her heifer calf Lambclose St Kara’s valentine at 3000gns. Sired by Heathbrow Discovery, a bull used in the herd to enhance growth and frame, Kara is out of Lambclose Dizzy. Purchasing this fourth calver, PD’d in calf to Popes Laertes, was EH&EW Anwyl, Rhosgoch, Llanbrynmair, Powys. Her February 2025 born heifer calf at foot, sired by Denizes Mombassa, went north to Penrith, Cumbria and the Church Farm pedigree herd of George Morton, Gamblesby.
The three year old Lambclose Nisha sold for a combined 6800gns with her heifer calf at foot Lambclose Sisha. By Corskie Inlaw 17, this first calver back in calf to Popes Laertes, made 4500gns when selling to A Bennett, Bronafon, New Mills, Newtown, Powys. Her February 2025 born calf Lambclose Sisha by Denizes Mombassa sold for 2300gns to IG Evans, New House, Garthmyl, Montgomery, Powys.
Selling at 6700gns as a unit, and another to A Bennett, Bronafon, was Lambclose Jan who made 3900gns, and with her heifer calf Lambclose Steph at 2800gns. A sixth calver, the 2018 born Lambclose Jan is another by Heathbrow Discovery and was sold in calf to Popes Laertes. Her heifer calf at foot, the January 2025 born Lambclose Steph was also by Popes Laertes. As well as the 6700gns price, Mr Bennet went on to purchase further cow & calf units at 6500gns, 6100gns, and 5800gns; cows at 4500gns, and 4200gns, and a stock bull at 6200gns. At the 6500gns mark was one of the younger cows in the catalogue, the January 2022 born first calver Lambclose Naomi’s Noleen at 4200gns (back in calf to Popes Laertes), and sold with her heifer calf at foot, the 2300gns Lambclose Soleen. Naomi’s Noleen is by Corskie Inlaw 17, with Lambclose Soleen being by Denizes Mombassa.
Lambclose cows & calves just before the sale
Also at the 6700gns mark was Lambclose Millie at 4200gns and with her heifer calf Lambclose Snow at 2500gns. One of the lots purchased by A Bennett, Bronafon, this second calver in calf to Popes Laertes, is by Corskie Inlaw and out of Lambclose Hattie, a Heathbrow Discovery daughter. Her calf at foot, the January 2025 born Lambclose Snow by Popes Laertes 20, sold to TL Harris, Hendre Farm, Felindre, Knighton, Powys.
Mr Bennett was also the purchaser of the aforementioned Denizes Mombassa at 6200gns. Bred by MA Barlow & Sons, Nr Leyland, Lancashire this son of the noted Denizes Hamish is in the breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease Direct, one of the traits he was purchased for to maintain in the herd, and is out of Denizes Hannadante 12.
6200gns Denizes Mombassa
Twelve in calf heifers averaged £4173.75 and to a top price of 4600gns paid for the January 2023 born Lambclose Petal. Sired by the day’s top price Popes Laertes, and in calf to Denizes Mombassa, this heifer out of the Dirnanean Telstar daughter Lambclose Catherine was another purchased by George Morton, Gamblesby, Penrith Cumbria for his Church Farm herd. Later in the day Mr Morton also purchased the weaned heifer calf Lambclose Stella Etta for 2600gns.
In the young heifers, twenty two maidens sold to average a very healthy £3288.40. Leading the way in this section was the 4000gns paid for the January 2024 born Lambclose Rani. Again sired by Popes Laertes, and out of Lambclose Jan, a Heathbrow Discovery daughter, Lambclose Rani was one of a mighty twelve maiden heifers bought by AT Ruell, Tregriggan, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells, Powys. Ten weanling calves averaged £1994.47 and sold to 2800gns for Lambclose Sienna, a Popes Laertes daughter. This calf, out of Lambclose Hiesta (P), was purchased by Mr P Dawes, Kipperknowle Farm, Dimore Manor, Hereford.
AVERAGES:
29 Cows & calves, as units £6160.96
12 In-calf heifers £4173.75
22 Maiden heifers £3288.40
10 Weanling calves £19994.47
2 Stock bulls £7560
104 Head grossed: £336,163.
by Iain | Nov 18, 2025 | 2025 Midlands News, 2025 Other Shows, 2025 News, 2025
Fishpool Spartan (P) takes Overall Reserve Supreme Storersmith Rapunzel Wins Best Staffordshire Bred
It was another Championship day for the Storersmith herd of Richard & Louise Storer Smith, Spath Farm House, Uttoxeter, who took the Simmental Overall Championship at the 2025 English Winter Fair held at the Staffordshire County Showground, Bingley Hall, on Saturday 15th November, with their heifer Storersmith Rapunzel.
Storersmith Rapunzel, 2025 English Winter Fair, Simmental Overall Supreme Champion
November 2024 born Storersmith Rapunzel, out of Storersmith Moonshine GP 83, is one of the first calves by herd sire Storersmith Navarone 22 VG 88, the Overall Supreme Champion at this year’s Simmental English National Show. Judge for the day at the English Winter Fair was Jimmy McMillan of the noted Brandane herd, Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Rapunzel initially came through the class for Senior Heifer Calf born between 1st October 2024 and 31st December 20224, and where she was followed by her team mates Storersmith Robyn, another Navarone 22 VG 88 daughter; and Storersmith Ribbon, sired by Ranfurly Notorious.On the second day Storersmith Rapunzel also won the all-breeds title of Best Staffordshire Bred animal from the judge Michael Alford, Foxhill Farm, Devon. It was a strong follow on competition from Storersmith Rapunzel who also won a red ticket and was part of the winning Pairs, along with Storersmith Robyn, at the recent Simmental Youngstock Show at Borderway Agri Expo, Carlisle. For good measure the Storersmith herd also took the red ticket in the first class of the day with their December 2024 born bull calf Storersmith Rasputin, another son of the aforementioned Navarone 22 VG 88. In general comments following the show the judge Jimmy McMillan said: “I would like to thank the English Winter Fair for asking me to judge the Simmental Calf Show at this year’s event. Similarly I’d like to thank and congratulate all of the exhibitors, stockmen and stockwomen, for putting on a tremendous show of Simmental calves. The future looks very bright for the Simmental breed going forward with all of these youngsters coming through.” The format of the day saw four classes of Simmentals judged before the red ticket winners went head to head in a Championship shoot out. Taking the Overall Reserve Supreme was the January 2025 born Fishpool Spartan (P) from Tom and Jenn Hassall, Winsford, Cheshire. Heterozygous polled, this young bull is by Newbiemains Kalypso 19, and is out of Fishpool Lottie (P), from the herd’s Kilbride Farm Eunice 277J line.
Fishpool Spartan (P), 2025 English Winter Fair, Simmental Overall Reserve Supreme Champion
Notably, this was Fishpool Spartan’s second Overall Reserve having won the same title at the aforementioned Simmental Youngstock Show at Carlisle. Initially Spartan (P) came through Class 91 Junior Bull Calf born between 1st January 2025 and 30th June 2025, and where he nudged his stable mate Fishpool Spitfire into second place. Similarly bred, and also January 2025 born, Fishpool Spitfire is another son of Newbiemains Kalypso. The other class winner on the day came in the shape of the stylish young heifer Hirwaun Snowdrop who took the red ticket in Class 93 Junior Heifer Calf born between 1st January 2025 and 30th June 2025. January 2025 born, Snowdrop is an AI calf by the noted Denizes Hamish 2016, and is out of Hirwaun Kitty VG 88, a Salisbury Challenger daughter out of Mainview Jezabel EX 92. This young heifer stood second to the Reserve Junior Champion in a strong class at the aforementioned Simmental Youngstock Show held in Carlisle.
Hirwaun Snowdrop, first in Junior Heifer Calf born between 1st January 2025 and 30th June 2025
SIMMENTAL CLASSES & CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE 2025 ENGLISH WINTER FAIR
Judge: Jimmy McMillan, Brandane herd, Chesham, Buckinghamshire.
Class 90 Senior Bull Calf born between 1st October 2024 and 31st December 2024
1st – Lot 266: Storersmith Simmentals – STORERSMITH RASPUTIN s. Storersmith Navarone
Class 91 Junior Bull Calf born between 1st January 2025 and 30th June 2025
1st – Lot 268: T & J Hassall – FISHPOOL SPARTAN s. Newbiemains Kalypso
2nd – Lot 267: : T & J Hassall – FISHPOOL SPITFIRE s. Newbiemains Kalypso
3rd – Lot 271: B C Stanley – MELBOURNEPARK STRIDER s. Omorga Merlin
4th – Lot 272: B C Stanley – MELBOURNEPARK SNIPER s. Omorga Merlin
5th – Lot 274: R Grenham – BOARS HEAD SPITFIRE s. Blackford Nimrod
Class 92 Senior Heifer Calf born between 1st October 2024 and 31st December 20224
1st – Lot 281: Storersmith Simmentals – STORERSMITH RAPUNZEL s. Storersmith Navarone
2nd – Lot 284: Storersmith Simmentals – STORERSMITH ROBYN s. Storersmith Navarone
3rd – Lot 278: Storersmith Simmentals – STORERSMITH RIBBON s. Ranfurly Notorious
4th – Lot 279: A J Heath – EATON KARL’S DIAMOND s. Kilbride Farrm Karl
5th – Lot 277: A & R Davies – HIRWAUN RASPBERRY RIPPLE s. Broombrae Major
Class 93 Junior Heifer Calf born between 1st January 2025 and 30th June 2025
1st – Lot 287: A & R Davies – HIRWAUN SNOWDROP s. Denizes Hamish
2nd – Lot 286: : T & J Hassall – FISHPOOL SADIE s. Newbiemains Kalypso
3rd – Lot 289: R Grenham – BOARS HEAD ELEANOR STAR PEARL s. Seaview Prince Charming
4th – Lot 288: T & J Hassall – FISHPOOL SCARLETT s. Denizes Hamish
5th – Lot 291: A J Hart – TREVERBYN STAR s. Coose Monopoly
Champion Lot 281: Storersmith Simmentals – STORERSMITH RAPUNZEL s. Storersmith Navarone
Reserve Champion Lot 268: T & J Hassall – FISHPOOL SPARTAN s. Newbiemains Kalypso
by Iain | Nov 11, 2025 | 2025 Other Shows, 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025, Uncategorised
Coltfield Sister Sandra wins the Overall Junior Championship
Islavale Rafferty lifts the Overall Senior Championship
Tippetcraig wins the Junior Male Championship
Bowhill Ruth takes the Senior Female Championship
North East of Scotland based herds took the top Simmental Championship honours at the 2025 Stars of the Future Pedigree Calf Show, at United Auctions, Stirling, on Saturday 8th November with the Coltfield Herd of JC MacIver, Wester Coltfield, Forres, Moray winning the Junior Championship, and the Islavale Herd of WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith securing the Senior Championship.
A strong Simmental entry of 44 calves, from sixteen herds, were entered and came before the judge for the day Rob Fitton of the noted Simply herd, Bolton, Lancashire.
Taking the Junior Overall Championship, and Junior Female Champion, was the February 2025 born Coltfield Sister Sandra. This heifer is by the 12,000gns Islavale Northstar 22 (ET) EX 90, and is out of Coltfield Louise EX 90, a Rockytop Invader 17 EX 92 daughter. It was a tremendous outing for the Coltfield herd, their most successful to date at Stars of the Future, and who on the day won the Junior Overall Championship; the Junior Female Champion; the Reserve Senior Championship; and had a second in class to the Senior Female Champion.
Junior Female and Overall Junior Champion Coltfield Sister Sandra
Of his Junior Overall Champion, the judge Rob Fitton said: “This was a really sweet Simmental heifer and exactly what I was looking for, carrying a real presence in the ring and walking out well on four good legs. She was clean, had plenty of width to her, and had real femininity and a lot of breed character.”
Speaking afterwards Cameron MacIver said: “It was a very special day for the family and a poignant one as Coltfield Sister Sandra is named after my late sister. This was her first time out in the show ring so we are really pleased with how she ahs got on. Louise is one of the best breeding cows in the herd and this is her third calf, and each by a different sire. Plans for Sandra all being well are to how her next year and then get her in calf in the backend.”
Following Coltfield Sister Sandra through from her class, the Reserve Junior Champion, and Reserve Junior Female Champion went to the heterozygous polled Islavale Amanda 17 (P), a March 2025 heifer’s calf by Incheoch Niko 22 (PP) VG 87, and out of Islavale Amanda 11 GP 84. The homozygous polled Incheoch Niko 22 (PP) VG 87, was purchased for £10,500 at the Working Genes Sale at Incheoch Farms, Alyth in September 2023. Islavale Amanda 17 (P) will now head to Simmental Next Gen V Female & Weaned Calves Sale on Friday 12th December at Carlisle. Joining her there will be Islavale Rae who placed second in her class to the Reserve Senior Female Champion. October 2024 born, Islavale Rae is by the homebred sire Islavale Lucifer 20 EX 95, and is out of Islavale Jinx (P) EX 90, a Curaheen Giant daughter.
Reserve Junior Female and Reserve Junior Overall Champion Islavale Amanda
Overall Junior Champions Coltfield Sister Sandra & Islavale Amanda with the judge Rob Fitton
It was another top Stars of the Future Show for the Islavale herd who also took the Senior Championship, and Senior Male Champion with their December 2024 born bull Islavale Rafferty 24. This calf is the first to be shown sired by Bighill Parker ET (Imp.) EX 90. Out of Islavale Lippy GP 80, a Corskie Highlander 16 EX 93 daughter, Islavale Rafferty will be heading to the May 2026 Stirling Bull Sale. A further Bighill Parker ET (Imp.) EX 90 son, Islavale Shamrock 2 stood third in a very strong class to the Junior Male and Reserve Junior Male Champions. Semen has been taken from Bighill Parker, and a further heifer calf, Islavale Regal, will also be heading to Next Gen V at Carlisle in December.
Senior Male and Overall Senior Champion Islavale Rafferty
Commenting on his Senior Overall Champion, Islavale Rafferty, Rob Fitton said: “This is a tremendous eleven-month-old calf and a real stock bull in the making. Again he had tremendous character to him with a lovely head and big Simmental ears. Clean through he had tremendous power for his age, a good straight top on him, and walked extremely well. He’s a bull with a lot of future for sales ahead.”
Of the show of Simmentals generally Rob Fitton said: “Firstly I’d like to thank the organisers for inviting me to judge at Stars of the Future and what was a very well organised and enjoyable show. I’m delighted with my two Champions and both are animals I’d very much like to be taking home with me! It was a tremendous show of Simmental young stock and I’d very much like to congratulate all of the exhibitors.”
It was a Championship role reversal from the juniors with the Reserve Overall Senior Champion going to Coltfield Rhysand 24. September born, Rhysand is another by Islavale Northstar 22 (ET) EX 90, and is the first bull calf out of Annick Whitney’s Fresia EX 94, purchased at the Annick Dispersal Sale for 6200gns, and for the tremendous breeding behind her featuring many Royal Highland Show winners. From here Coltfield Rhysand will be aimed towards the Stirling Bull Sale in February 2026.
Reserve Senior Male Champion & Reserve Senior Overall, Coltfield Rhysand
Bringing their first ever homebred calves to Stars of the Future was the Burns Family, Tippetcraig Farm, High Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, and who met with more than a bit of success when winning the Junior Male Championship with the appropriately named Tippetcraig Someboy. This February 2025 born calf is by Kilbride Farm Maverick 21 (P), a Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P) son, and is out of Broombrae Rosina M2 21, who was purchased at Stirling in February 2023. The Burns Family also placed third in the class where the Junior Champion and Reserve Junior Champion came from, with Tippetcraig Salerno, a February 2025 born heifer, and another by Kilbride Farm Maverick 21 (P). Commenting afterwards Lindsay Burns said: “Stars of the Future has been a lot of fun, with the Simmental breeders being so friendly and helpful, and we’re really delighted to win the Junior Male Championship with Tippetcraig Someboy. As a herd we plan to do some summer showing next year, and with Tippetcraig Someboy being aimed at Stirling in October next year.”
Junior Male Champion Tippetcraig Someboy
Following Tippetcraig Someboy through from his class, and to take the Reserve Junior Male Championship, was Delfur Supernova from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour, and shown by herd manager Garry Patterson. January 2025 born, Delfur Supernova is by the 28,000gns stock bull Islavale Magnum 21, and is out Delfur Hells, a Clonagh Tiger Gallant daughter. Delfur Farms also took a first prize in the females with Delfur Shakira winning the class for heifers. January 2025 born, Shakira is by Kilbride Farm Nebulus 22, and is out of Delfur Nightingale, an Innerwick Ivor daughter.
Reserve Junior Male Champion Delfur Supernova
Taking the Senior Female Championship was Bowhill Ruth from Rachael Reid, D&R Holdings, Low Bowhill Farm, Newmilns, Ayrshire. August 2024 born, this heifer is got by the 30,000gns AI sire Denizes Lancelot, and is out of Overhill House Mary, an Aultmore Goliath daughter who was bought for £4000 in a charity auction with all proceeds going to charities helping children from the conflict in Ukraine. Earlier this summer Bowhill Ruth won the Junior Female Championship at the Scottish Simmental National Show in Perth. It was a good follow up to last years Stars of the Future for the Bowhill herd who in 2024 won the Senior Female Championship and Senior Overall Championship with Bowhill Petal, another daughter of Overhill House Mary.
Senior Female Champion Bowhill Ruth
The Reserve Senior Female Champion, and winner of Class 4, came in the shape of Aultside Royalty from Garry Patterson, Rothes, Moray. This November 2024 born heifer is by Saltire Impressive and is out of Hazelden Jingle 8th, a Whitemire King Kong daughter.
Reserve Senior Female Champion Aultside Royality
2025 STARS OF THE FUTURE PEDIGREE CALF SHOW
SIMMENTAL RESULTS – Judged by Rob Fitton, Simply Herd, Bolton
Class 1 – Senior Males (2nd July – 16th September 2024)
1st 47 Megan MacIver Coltfield Rhysand
2nd 43 Barlow Brothers Denizes Rocketman 24
Class 2 – Senior Males (24th October – 8th December 2024)
1st 53 W S Stronach Islavale Rafferty
2nd 52 Bowhill Simmentals Bowhill Racer
3rd 51 J & E Dyet – Merkland Rocket
4th 49 J & E Dyet Merkland Rory
Class 3 Senior Females (19th October – 6th December 2024)
1st 55 Bowhill Simmentals – Bowhill Ruth
2nd 57 James MacIver – Coltfield River
3rd 59 Barlow Brothers – Denizes Matilda 21st
4th 54 Gavin Brown – Springfield Rose
5th 58 N & N Gwynne – Chestermann Explorer Lulu 4
6th 60 D & R Durno & Sons – Auchorachan Remi Nanny
7th 56 Frank Gwynne – Castlewigg Explorer Girlie 5
Class 4 Senior Females (19th October – 6th December)
1st 63 Garry Patterson Aultside Royality
2nd 61 W S Stronach Islavale Rae
3rd 62 D & R Durno & Sons Auchorachan Rusty Madie
4th 64 J & E Dyet Merkland Joy 24
5th 66 J & E Dyet Merkland Rebecca
6th 67 J O Hodge Swinton Milky Girl
Class 5 – Junior Males (4th January – 4th May 2025)
1st 70 The Burns Family Tippetcraig Someboy
2nd 68 Delfur Farms Delfur Supernova
3rd 74 W S Stronach Islavale Shamrock 2 25
4th 69 Cameron MacIver Coltfield Sambo
5th 71 Mr And Mrs L Moffat Innerwick Supreme 25
6th 72 Gavin Brown Springfield Strongbow
7th 73 Gavin Brown Springfield Stallone
Class 6 – Junior Females (3rd January – 23rd January 2025)
1st 75 Delfur Farms Delfur Shakira
Delfur Shakira
2nd 79 Andrew Leedham Grangewood Jemima’s Sugar Plum
3rd 78 Andrew Leedham Grangewood Tollie’s Sparkle
4th 77 Andrew Leedham Grangewood Matilda’s Sweet Pea
5th 80 Frank Gwynne Castlewigg Ringleader J-lo 2
Class 7 – Junior Females – 8th February – 5th May 2025
1st 81 James MacIver Coltfield Sister Sandra
2nd 83 W S Stronach Islavale Amanda 17 (P)
3rd 82 The Burns Family Tippetcraig Salerno
4th 85 Gavin Brown Springfield Shannon
5th 84 Gavin Brown Springfield Skylar
Junior Championship
Junior Male Champion The Burns Family Tippetcraig Someboy
Reserve Junior Male Champion Delfur Farms Delfur Supernova
Junior Female Champion James MacIver Coltfield Sister Sandra
Reserve Junior Female Champion W S Stronach Islavale Amanda 17 (P)
Junior Overall Champion James MacIver Coltfield Sister Sandra
Reserve Junior Overall Champion W S Stronach Islavale Amanda 17 (P)
Senior Championship
Senior Male Champion – W S Stronach Islavale Rafferty
Reserve Senior Male Champion – Megan MacIver Coltfield Rhysand
Senior Female Champion – Bowhill Simmentals Bowhill Ruth
Reserve Senior Female Champion – Garry Patterson Aultside Royality
Senior Overall Champion – W S Stronach Islavale Rafferty
Reserve Senior Overall Champion – Megan MacIver Coltfield Rhysand
by Iain | Nov 3, 2025 | 2025 North West News, 2025 Midlands News, 2025 Other Shows, 2025 News, 2025, Uncategorised
The April 2024 heifer Denizes Melody 62nd from the Goldstar herd of Ayrshire’s James Hodge, Dundonald, lifted the Overall Supreme, and Senior Champion titles at the Simmental Youngstock Show held within the Borderway Agri Expo yesterday, Friday 31st October at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart.
This growing Simmental show, held in the fantastic new extension within Borderway Mart, Carlisle, saw a good entry of Simmental youngstock with entries from Scotland, England, and Wales competing. The Young Handler classes were also well supported and keenly contested which was great to see.
Denizes Melody 62nd Senior and Overall Supreme Champion
Sired by Hiltonstown Lorenzo, the days Champion, Denizes Melody 62nd, was purchased as a calf at foot along with her mum, the then nine-year-old Denizes Melody 22nd, for 7000gns at the Production Sale of the Denizes Herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Lancashire, held at Stirling in October 2024. Earlier this summer she secured a memorable Overall reserve Supreme at the Simmental Scottish National Show held in Perth.
After giving her the Championship tap, the judge for the day James Griffin, of the noted Hemingford herd, Cambridgeshire, said: “This is a really classy heifer full of style and presence. She was very correct, well fleshed, walked well, had plenty of breed character, and just has all the makings to be a tremendous Simmental breeding female.”
Judge for the day, James Griffin of the Hemingford Herd getting hands on
Denizes Melody 62nd had initially come through the first heifer class of the day for heifers born between 1st April – 30th June 2024, before going on to take the Senior Championship, and finally the Overall Supreme title. Commenting afterwards James Hodge said: “We’re really delighted to have won the Overall Supreme Championship with Melody and in what is our first time at the event. From day one she has just been a dream to work with. We’ve had a fantastic summer and this has now just rounded off the year. From here we’ll aim to get in her in-calf and with a view to a back end calving. We’ll look at taking her to Ayr Show in May next year, and some other local shows. The Simmental Youngstock Show was a fantastic event as a whole and it was great to take part and meet a few new breeders from around the UK.”
Taking the Overall Reserve Supreme, and the Junior Championship, was the January 2025 born Fishpool Spartan (P) from Tom and Jenn Hassall, Winsford, Cheshire. Heterozygous polled, this young bull is by Newbiemains Kalypso 19, and is out of Fishpool Lottie (P), from the herd’s Kilbride Farm Eunice 277J line. This calf won the class for bull calves born between 1st January 2025 and 15th March 2025, where he pipped his stablemate, the similarly bred Fishpool Spitfire 2025, also by Kalypso and +11 for Maternal (Milk), into second place.
Fishpool Spartan Junior and Reserve Overall Supreme Champion
Of his Reserve Champion the judge James Griffin said: “Just a really nice bull calf who had that bit of sparkle on the day. Still very young he was a calf with shape, a good top, and again who walked very well.”
For the Fishpool herd, regular supporters of the Simmental Youngstock Show, this was their highest placing to date. Speaking afterwards Jenn Hassall said: “We’re really delighted to have won the Overall Reserve today. We think Spartan is a very modern Simmental who has length to him, with a good end, and is good on his legs. He’s got such a gentle nature and we’ll see how he goes on from here but his next trip will be to the English Winter Fair next month.”
The Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancs put up a strong defence of their Overall Supreme title won last year, and when taking the Reserve Supreme Championship with Denizes Ringmaster 24. This June 2024 born calf is one of the first sons by the herd stock bull Corskie Nutmeg, purchased privately in 2023 for £32,000 after winning the Junior Male Championship at the Royal Highland Show. Out of Kennox Imogen (TF), Denizes Ringmaster is in the breed’s top 1% for Maternal (Milk), and top 5% for 220, 400, 600 day weight. Denizes Ringmaster is being aimed at the 2026 Stirling February Bull Sale. On the day, the Denizes herd also won the class for heifers born between 1st July 2024 – 30th September 2024 with the Denizes Hamish 16 daughter, Denizes Matilda 21st. Having bred Denizes Melody 62nd, this is the second year in a row that a Denizes animal has won the Overall Supreme.
Denizes Ringmaster 24 Reserve Senior Champion
Lifting the Reserve Junior Championship was the smart young heifer Castlewigg Ringleader J-Lo 2 from Frank Gwynne, Castlewigg Farm, Whithorn, Newton Stewart. January 2025 born this well bred heifer is by Blackford Ringleader, and is out of Brandane J-Lo, a Team Celtic daughter out of Sterling Bacardi’s Funky. Again with strong performance figures, this Castlewigg heifer is in the breed’s top 10% for 200, 400, & 600 day weight, and also in the top 10% for Maternal (+Milk). Castlewigg Ringleader J-Lo 2 initially came through a strong class of heifers born between 1st January 2025, and 15th March 2025.
Castlewigg Ringleader J-LO 2 Reserve Junior Champion
It was another good day for the Storersmith herd of Richard & Louise Storer Smith, Spath Farm House, Uttoxeter, who lifted a first prize in the bull calf classes, had a class 1-2-3 in the heifers, and rounded it off by winning the Pairs! In the class for heifers born between 1st October 2024 – 31st December 2024, the red ticket went to the November 2024 born Storersmith Rapunzel. Out of Storersmith Moonshine GP 83, this heifer is by herd sire Storersmith Navarone 22 VG 88 the Overall Supreme Champion at this year’s Simmental English National Show. Rapunzel prevailed over her team mates Storersmith Ribbon, a Ranfurly Notorious N2 22 daughter, and Storersmith Raffia, another by Navarone 22 VG 88. Winning the class for bulls born between 1st October 2024 – 31st December 2024 was the December born Storersmith Rasputin, again by Storersmith Navarone 22 VG 88, and out of the Atlow Dixon daughter Storersmith Misty VG 87. Come the Pairs and Storersmith Rapunzel teamed up with Storersmith Robyn, another Navarone 22 VG 88 daughter, to take that title.
Storersmith Rapunzel
A further noted mention must go to Gavin Brown, Penicuik, Midlothian. Another strong team saw Springfield cattle have a first and a second in the bull class for calves born on or after 16th March 2025 with Springfield Strongbow, and Springfield Stallone; a win in the heifer class born on or after 15th March 2025 with Springfield Skylar; Reserve Overall in the Pairs with Islavale Raven and Springfield Raven, and a further second, and third prize tickets in a heifer class.
Springfield Strongbow
A highlight of this annual show is the Young Handlers classes judged during the Championships, and they were once again keenly contested this year with tremendous enthusiasm and ability throughout. Winning the category for handlers aged between 10 and 15 years was Polly Steggles of the Wacton herd, Norfolk, whilst the class for young handlers aged between 15 and 28 years was won by Beth Lawman who was showing with the Storersmith team, Uttoxeter.
Denizes Melody 62nd and Fishpool Spartan 25 Overall and Reserve Overall Champion
Denizes Melody 62nd and Denizes Ringmaster 24 Senior and Reserve Senior Champion
2025 SIMMENTAL YOUNGSTOCK SHOW, BORDERWAY AGRI EXPO, H&H, CARLISLE
31st October 2025
Judge: James Griffin, Hemingford Herd, Cambridgeshire
Results
Bull born between 1.4.24&30.6.25
1st: MA Barlow & Sons – Denizes Ringmaster 24
2nd: Messrs RCS&CFE Addison – Lyvennet Racey 24
Bull born between 1.10.25&31.12.24
1st: R&L Storer Smith – Storersmith Rasputin 24
Storersmith Rasputin
Bull born between 1.1.25&15.3.25
1st: T&J Hassall – Fishpool Spartan 25
2nd: T&J Hassall – Fishpool Spitfire
3rd: M/SRE & SHW Steggles – Wacton Schoffel 25
Bull born on or after 16.3.25
1st: Gavin Brown – Springfield Strongbow 25
Springfield Strongbow
2nd: Gavin Brown – Springfield Stallone
Heifer born between 1.4.24&30.6.24
1st: James & Claire Hodge – Denizes Melody 62nd
2nd: Gavin Brown – Islavale Raven
3rd: Gavin Brown – Springfield Rita
Heifer born between 1.7.24&30.9.24
1st: MA Barlow & Sons – Denizes Matilda 21st
Denizes Matilda 21st
2nd: Gavin Brown – Springfield Rose
3rd: Messrs N&N Gwynne – Chestermann Explorer Lulu
Heifer born between 1.10.24&31.12.24
1st: R&L Storer Smith – Storersmith Rapunzel
2nd: R&L Storer Smith – Storersmith Ribbon
3rd: R&L Storer Smith – Storersmith Raffia
Heifer born between 1.1.25&15.3.25
1st: Frank Gwynne – Castlewigg Ringleader J-Lo 2
2nd: A Davies – Hirwaun Snowdrop
Hirwaun Snowdrop
3rd: M/SRE & SHW Steggles – Wacton Sophie
Heifer born on or after 16.3.25
1st: Gavin Brown – Springfield Skylar
Springfield Skylar
2nd: Nick Edmondson – Crakeside Sadie Haka
3rd: Gavin Brown – Springfield Shannon
Pairs
1st: R&L Storer Smith
Pairs winners Storersmith Rapunzel and Storersmith Robyn
2nd: Gavin Brown
Young Handlers
Young handlers aged between 10 and 15 years: Polly Steggles
Young handlers aged between 15 and 28 years: Beth Lawman
Senior Champion
– James & Claire Hodge – Denizes Melody 62nd
Reserve Senior Champion
– MA Barlow & Sons – Denizes Ringmaster 24
Junior Champion
– T&J Hassall – Fishpool Spartan 25
Reserve Junior Champion
– Frank Gwynne – Castlewigg Ringleader J-Lo 2
Overall Supreme Champion
– James & Claire Hodge – Denizes Melody 62nd
Reserve Overall Supreme Champion
– T&J Hassall – Fishpool Spartan 25
Recent Comments