by Iain | Oct 22, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025 Stirling Sales, 2025
- 61 Bulls average £11,070, up by £3636 on the year
- Simmental leads all-breed averages and the solo five figure average
- Average is a new all-centre Simmental breed record
- 28 bulls (46%) make 10,000gns or more
- 86% clearance of bulls
- Ten bulls sell to the Scottish islands
- Newbiemains heifer tops females at 7500gns
Stirling was the place to be as the Simmental breed enjoyed a record-breaking sale at United Auctions on Monday 20th October, with a top price of 30,000gns and a breed record average of £11,070 for 61 sold through the ring.
An incredible 28 bulls reached 10,000gns or more and which saw the average increase on the year by a massive £3,636 and for 12 more sold. In all the sale saw an 86% clearance of the bulls forward. Reflecting the ongoing momentum in the breed, the Simmental average was the highest across all breeds in the week. The sale average of £11,070 was a new Simmental breed record figure, eclipsing the £9832 figure set at Stirling in February this year.
Garmouth Robert 30,000gns
Leading the trade at a fantastic 30,000gns, was the April 2024 born Garmouth Robert from the 12-cow herd of Laura Beattie, Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Fochabers. In the pre-sale show this bull had stood as Junior Champion, and Overall Reserve under the eye of the judge Geoff Anderson of the noted Quarryhill herd, and herd manager of the Pitgaveny herd, Wester Greens Farm, Lossiemouth. Garmouth Robert is a son of Rathnashan Magnum, who had previously bred bulls up to 20,000gns, and is out of Garmouth Glory’s Jessica, a daughter of the 45,000gns Bel Dhu Capercaillie. Earlier in the summer, and in his only show outing, Garmouth Robert had placed Overall Male and Junior Male Champion at the Royal Highland Show. Of his Overall Reserve Champion, the judge Geoff Anderson said: “This was a strong bull with a great length to him, very square, full in the plates, walked really well, and with a lot of breed character.” The day’s top priced bull sold to the noted Backmuir herd of Reece and Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith.
Corskie Rome 20,000gns
It was a memorable day all round for the Green family, Corskie Farm, Garmouth. The pre-sale show saw the family double with Corskie taking the Overall, and with Garmouth lifting the Overall Reserve. The herd also won the Group of Three with Corskie Rye, Rosco, and Randy, all sons of Blackford Mars. Sale time saw Garmouth take the 30,000gns top price and with the six Corskie bulls averaging a mighty £14,490 and to a top of 20,000gns for the Champion, Corskie Rome. The October Sale followed on from the trend set in February and where the herd averaged £13,220 for eleven bulls!
Team Corskie line up of bulls
Speaking afterwards a delighted British Simmental Cattle Society President, Chris Martindale, said: “It’s been a tremendous Simmental sale and I’d like to congratulate the breeders who continue to raise the bar in bringing bulls full of quality and consistency in type. On the ground commercial buyers are really seeing the advantages of modern Simmental genetics and as we’ve seen today are competing with pedigree breeders for the bulls on offer and willing to go to top prices. As we’ve said quality females are the engine room of a suckler herd and commercial producers recognise the benchmark Simmental maternal traits of fertility, milk, calving ease, and docility. These quality, modern, easy fleshing bulls are providing that and with the added recognition of what they’re doing in terms of growth, age at slaughter, and daily carcase gain. Commercial producers are backing their judgement and seeing the benefits in their females and what Simmental calves are going on to do as both store and fattening cattle.” The sale saw bulls sell to the very north of Scotland, with eleven bulls heading to the islands, and all the way down to Newquay, Cornwall. Other trends on the day saw bulls with good figures, particularly milk, easily sold, and with a demand for the bulls on offer with polled genetics.
Islavale Ruben 26,000gns
Also enjoying another fantastic sale day was the Islavale herd of WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith who sold eight bulls to average a mighty £17,062, a record for the herd, and with a top price of 26,000gns. Fetching their top price was Islavale Ruben who stood second in his class to the day’s top priced bull. April 2024 born this bull is by Rockytop Luca, who was bought privately, and is out of the Shacon Hannibal sired dam Islavale Teresa. Heading back near home, Islavale Ruben was bought by Ryan Smith, Towiemore, Keith, who runs a noted commercial herd of 240 cows, and along with the establishing Towiemore pedigree herd. Of Islavale Ruben Ryan Smith said: “This is a very modern Simmental bull with plenty of length, and great width from front to back. He has a very good square back end, plenty of depth to him, and is full in his plates. I like his markings and think he’s a very stylish well put together bull, and just what I was looking for. The bull will be used on the pedigree cows initially we’ll also look to take some semen from him.”
Islavale Rico 18,000gns
Islavale Raymondo 17,000gns
Islavale Rookie 17,000gns
Islavale Rockstar 14,000gns
Islavale Rocco 13,000gns
Islavale Radar 13,000gns
Islavale Reggie 12,000gns
The Reserve Junior Champion, Islavale Rico, made 18,000gns when being bought by the aforementioned Green family for their 180-cow Corskie herd. May 2024 born this is one of the first bulls by the homebred Islavale McCoist, the sire of the 8500gns Champion Calf at the 2024 Next Gen Sale, to be offered for sale. Two further bulls by Islavale McCoist made 17,000gns, including Islavale Raymondo, who sold to commercial producers JG Callum Ashlea, Milton of Culloden, Inverness. Islavale Rookie made the same price when selling to Cameron and Valerie Fraser from Housebay Farm, Stronsay, Orkney. Other Islavale bulls saw 14,000gns paid for Islavale Rockstar, to TC and G Greenhill, Craighill Farm, Dundee; 13,000gns for the Reserve Intermediate Champion Islavale Rocco, to TG Hamilton, Killumpha Farm, Wigtownshire; 13,000gns for Islavale Radar to Welbeck Scottish Farms, Worksop, Nottinghamshire; and 12,000gns for Islavale Reggie, to K and S Meason, Frustigarth, Shapinsay, Orkney. Quite a day at the sale for the Islavale herd.
Judge Geoff Anderson with Society President Chris Martindale
So to the day’s Overall Supreme Champion, Corksie Rome from the Green family. This January 2024 born bull had taken the red ticket in the first class of the day before moving on to lift the Senior Championship, and then getting the Overall Champion tap out in front of what was a truly packed ringside. Another by Rathnashan Magnum, the same sire as with the day’s leading price, Corksie Rome is out of Corskie Kabasha GP 84, a daughter of the herd’s noted sire Kilbride Farm Haka. Of his choice of Overall Champion bull, the judge Geoff Anderson said: “My Champion bull had great power, length, and depth of body. He had a tremendous top and width to him, very square, and was full in his plates. Good on his legs he walked well and is a bull that can follow his cows. With a lot of breed character he was a worthy champion and I think a very complete Simmental bull.”
Come sale time, and early in the ring, a flurry of bids saw this bull reach 20,000gns before being knocked down to Gary & Angela Christie who run the Rockytop pedigree herd of 70 cows, alongside a 50 cow commercial herd, at Birchfield, Glass, Huntly. Speaking today, Gary Christie said: “We think this bull is really well put together. He’s balanced, with good depth, clean all the way through with a great top on him, and has a very nice nature about him as we’re seeing straight away having him home. We saw him initially at the Highland Show, where he stood second, and saw him again on farm. When I then saw him at Stirling he had gone on again and I hoped we could buy him. Plans are that he’ll be gradually introduced to the cows going up to 25 in June, and we’ll look to take some semen off him in the spring.”
Corskie Rosco 15,000gns
Corskie Roll 14,000gns
Corskie Randy 12,000gns
Other Corskie buyers saw noted commercial producer Robert Manson, Brodieshill, Alves, pay 15,000gns for Corskie Rosco, a part of the winning Group of Three, and of the one of the first bulls offered by the 14,000gns Blackford Mars, with Graham Allan of the noted Glenturk herd, Glenturk Farm, Newton Stewart, purchasing Corskie Roll, a Rathnashan Leonardo son, also for 14,000gns. Selling at 12,000gns was Corskie Randy, another of the Group of Three winners by Blackford Mars, and who stood third in his class to the day’s top price. This bull went commercially to the Duke Fife, Elsick Estate Office, Mains of Newhall, Stonehaven.
Grangewood Robert the Bruce 18,000gns
Three further bulls on the day sold at 18,000gns and including the much-admired Reserve Senior Champion, Grangewood Robert The Bruce, from the Leedham family, Andrew, Yvonne & Callum, Boghead farm, Tarbolton, Ayrshire. February 2024 born, Grangewood Robert The Bruce is by Ranfurly Impeccable, who has sired bulls for the herd up to 20,000gns, and is out of Grangewood Gretal’s Lyla VG 87, a Grangewood Glenlivet daughter. With a track record behind him, this bull was the Male Champion at this year’s Scottish Simmental National Show held in Perth and was Reserve Junior Champion at last year’s Simmental Youngstock Show held within the Borderway Agri Expo. Again a ‘very correct, stylish bull, with length and width, who walked extremely well’, Grangewood Robert The Bruce was sold to North Yorkshire and the Habton pedigree herd of Alex Bulmer, Coultas Farm, Malton.
Blackford Rob Roy 18,000gns
Anne MacPherson, Blackford Farm, Croy, Inverness also made 18,000gns for the Intermediate Champion Blackford Rob Roy, who was another high-quality bull to go commercially when selling to Rory McKenzie, Wester Craiglands, Fortrose. March 2024 born, Blackford Rob Roy is sired by Blackford Nimrod 22, a Heathbrow Important 17 son and out of Blackford Jazzy 2, a Blackford Galaxy daughter. Rob Roy is the first calf by Blackford Nimrod who was sold privately to the Boars Head herd in the South of England, and is out of Blackford Jazzy 2 EX 93, a daughter of the noted Blackford Galaxy a previous Royal Highland Champion.
Newbiemains Red Bull 18,000gns
AD Sutherland & Sons, Connachie, Kellas, Elgin who run the Glenlossie herd, paid 18,000gns for Newbiemains Red Bull from Jim and Patricia Goldie, Newbiemains, Annan. This March 2024 bull by Annick Klondyke 19 EX 94 comes from a cow family of three EX classified dams and is out of Newbiemains Ice Tea EX 91. With a depth of pedigree and performance, Newbiemains Red Bull had one of the highest Maternal (Milk) figures in the catalogue at +13. Newbiemains Rafiki, another Klondyke son made 7000gns when selling to A&J Buchanan, Hawick. Later in the day, the Newbiemains herd held a successful draft sale of fourteen heifers that saw a top price of 7500gns with details at the end of this report.
Auchorachan Revolution 16,000gns
Another breeder enjoying a strong day’s trading for a terrific pen of bulls was D&R Durno & Sons, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Two bulls sold at 16,000gns, with further bulls at 14,000gns, and 7000gns. The first bull at 16,000gns was the heterozygous polled bull Auchorachan Revolution 24 (P), one of the first by the €16,200 Coose Nebraska, and out of Auchorachan Hilly 8 EX 93, a Team Fergus daughter. Another bull with good figures, Auchorachan Revolution 24 (P), who is in the breed’s top 10% for 400 and 600 day weight; and in the top 20% for Maternal (Milk), sold to Maesquoy Farms, Harray, Orkney.
Auchorachan Roland 16,000gns
Auchorachan Redhill 14,000gns
Also at 16,000gns was the March 2024 born Auchorachan Roland, who stood second in his class to the Reserve Intermediate Champion. This bull is sired by Coose Nelson (P) and is out of Auchorachan Hilly 6 EX 91, who was Junior Champion at the Stars of the Future Show as a calf. Auchorachan Roland 24, who is in the breed’s top 20% for Maternal (Milk) was bought by commercial producer Andrew Swanson, Quarryside, Thurso. At 14,000gns was Auchorachan Redhill 24, another son of Coose Nelson (P), and out of Redhill Tracey VG 87, a Woodhall Earl13 daughter. This bull headed to the very south of England when being bought by Steve & Gill Gummow for their noted Killiworgie pedigree herd at Higher Killaworgey Farm, Blackcross, Newquay, Cornwall.
Popes Randolph 16,000gns
Popes Rollo 13,000gns
The Wood family’s Popes herd from Lancashire, also saw a top price of 16,000gns paid for Popes Randolph 24, the second prize winner in in Class Six. April 2024 born Popes Randolph 24 is by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, and is out of Popes Whispers Idella. The Reserve Male, and Reserve Junior Champion at the 2025 English Simmental National Show, Popes Randolph also went commercially when selling to DF Stewart, Balglass, Lennoxtown, Glasgow. A few lots later and Popes Rollo 24 made 13,000gns and who was purchased by A Whiteford, Moulandale, Kemnay, Inverurie. Similarly bred, this bull is also by Clonagh Lucky Explorer and out of another Kilbride Farm Comber daughter, Popes Nelly’s Gypsy GP 84.
Innerwick Rockstar 14,000gns
Innerwick Rocky 11,000gns
Winning class three and going on to make 14,000gns was the March 2024 born Innerwick Rockstar from Dorothy Moffat, Innerwick, Dunbar. This bull is by the 16,000gns Delfur Maverick and out of Innerwick Irma, a Curaheen Gold Digger daughter. With width and depth of second thigh to him, this bull went to a pedigree herd when selling to Heather Duff who runs the Pitmudie herd at Brechin, Angus. Innerwick Rocky 24 made 11,000gns and was another bull to go to Orkney when snapped up by GT&S Coghill, Muce, Birsay. March 2024 born, and with a + 11 Maternal (Milk) figure, Rocky is by the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jimmy Choo, and is out of Innerwick Hermione.
Overhill House Rambo 13,000gns
Overhill House Rascal 11,000gns
Bulls from Richard McCulloch’s Overhill House herd, Armadale, West Lothian, sold for 13,000gns, 11,000gns, 9000gns, and 8000gns. Leading the way at 13,000gns was the April 2024 born Overhill House Rambo 24 (P), who went to the Woodhall pedigree herd of F&J MacAskill, Woodhall farm, Innerwick, Dunbar. A bull with a +11 for Maternal (Milk), Rambo 24 (P), is by Kilbride Farm Merlin 21, and is out of the Hoeness (P) daughter Overhill House Eclipse (P). Also by Kilbride Farm Merlin 21, Overhill House Rascal 24 made 11,000gns when selling to MJ & AM Mill, Shawsmill Farm, Lochgelly, Fife.
Pitmudie Rambler 11,000gns
Heather Duff’s Pitmudie herd, Brechin, Angus had a sale top price of 11,000gns for Pitmudie Rambler. This bull Kyleston Kaiser, and out of the entirely homebred Pitmudie Melissa, was purchased by Alan and Stuart Nicolson, Relugas Mains, Forres. The 11,000gns marked a new sale top price to date for the 50-cow Pitmudie herd.
Backmuir Rusty 10,000gns
Backmuir Pompei 12,500gns
Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith, sold Backmuir Rusty, for 10,000gns to A&F Baillie, Low Glasnick Farm, Newton Stewart. A January 2024 born bull, Rusty is an AI calf by the 17,000gns Wolfstar Jimmy Choo and is out of Ballykin Lady May. Beyond the sale, Backmuir Pompeii, a Backmuir Marksman son out of the much-decorated Annick Ginger’s Lucia was sold for 12,500gns to Farquharson Farms, Darley, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire.
Selling at 10,000gns, was the junior bull Strathisla Rhinestone from Strathisla Farms, Blairgowrie. Sired by Rathnashan Newton VG 87, and out of Strathisla Echo’s Twiggy EX 90, this bull with a Maternal (Milk) figure of + 11, went to to J Gunn, Carsgoe, Halkirk, Caithness.
The aforementioned sale of heifers saw nineteen forward in total with fourteen of those from the Newbiemains herd of Jim and Patricia Goldie, Newbiemains, Dumfries. The top price paid was 7500gns for the May 2024 heifer Newbiemains Red Rachel (P) who is homozygous polled. Sired by the noted Auchorachan Hercules 16 (ET) EX 92, and out of Fole Rachel 15 (P) EX 92, Red Rachel (P) was bought by Raeside Farm, Ladeside, Fenwick, Kilmarnock. Two lots later was Newbiemains R.Wanda who sold for 5500gns to AH Smith, Low Arkland Farm, Castle Douglas. This heifer is by Carbery Lightening EX 91 and is out of Newbiemains Miss Wanda GP 84.
7500gns top price heifer, Newbiemains Red Rachel (P)
Overall Championship presentation – Corskie Rome & Garmouth Robert
Senior Championship presentation – Corskie Rome & Grangewood Robert the Bruce
Intermediate Championship presentation – Blackford Rob Roy & Islavale Rocco
Junior Championship presentation – Garmouth Robert & Islavale Rico
Group of 3 – Corskie Rye, Rosco & Randy
LIST OF LEADING PRICES INCLUDED:
30,000gns Lot 342 Garmouth Robert sold to Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith
26,000gns Lot 340 Islavale Ruben sold to Ryan Smith, Towiemore Farm, Drummuir, Keith
20,000gns Lot 273 Corskie Rome sold to Gary & Angela Christie, Birchfield, Midtown of Glass, Huntly
18,000gns Lot 281 Grangewood Robert The Bruce sold to A J Bulmer, Coultas Farm, Great Habton, Malton, Yorkshire
18,000gns Lot 305 Blackford Rob Roy sold to J McKenzie & Co, Wester Craiglands, Fortrose, Inverness
18,000gns Lot 314 Newbiemains Red Bull sold to A D Sutherland & Sons, Connachie, Elgin
18,000gns Lot 351 Islavale Rico sold to W J & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers
17,000gns Lot 324 Islavale Raymondo sold to J G Callum, Ashlea, Milton of Culloden, Inverness
17,000gns Lot 349 Islavale Rookie sold to C & V Fraser, Housebay Farm, Stronsay, Orkney
16,000gns Lot 295 Auchorachan Revolution sold to Maesquoy Farms, Maesquoy Farm, Harray, Orkney
16,000gns Lot 317 Auchorachan Roland sold to Messrs Swanson, Quarryside, Castleton, Caithness
16,000gns Lot 330 Popes Randolph sold to Mr D F Stewart, Balglass, Lennoxtown, Glasgow
15,000gns Lot 283 Corskie Rosco sold to D & G Manson & Son, Brodieshill, Alves, Forres
14,000gns Lot 300 Innerwick Rockstar sold to Heather Duff, Pitmudie, Brechin, Angus
14,000gns Lot 334 Corskie Roll sold to Graham Allan, Glenturk Farm, Newton Stewart, Wigton
14,000gns Lot 336 Auchorachan Redhill sold to S A & G Gummow, Higher Killaworgey Farm, Blackcross, Newquay, Cornwall
14,000gns Lot 350 Islavale Rockstar sold to Craighill Farms, Duntrune, By Dundee
13,000gns Lot 320 Islavale Rocco sold to T G Hamilton, Killumpha Farm, Port Logan, Wigtonshire
13,000gns Lot 323 Islavale Radar sold to Welbeck Scottish Farms Ltd, Cavendish House, Welbeck, Worksop
13,000gns Lot 335 Overhill House Rambo sold to F & J Macaskill, Woodhall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar
13,000gns Lot 338 Popes Rollo sold to A Whiteford, Moulandale, Kemnay, Inverurie
12,500gns Lot 268 Backmuir Pompeii sold to Farquharson Farms, Darley, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire
12,000gns Lot 307 Islavale Reggie sold to K & S Meason, Frustigarth, Shapinsay, Orkney
12,000gns Lot 339 – Corskie Randy sold to The Duke Fife, Elsick Estate Office, Mains of Newhall, Newtonhill, Stonehaven
11,000gns Lot 306 Innerwick Rocky sold to G T & S Coghill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney
11,000gns Lot 309 Overhill House Rascal sold to M J & A M Mill, Shawsmill Farm, Cardenden, Lochgelly, Fife
11,000gns Lot 321 Pitmudie Rambler sold to A Nicolson, Relugas Mains Farm, Dunphail, Forres
10,000gns Lot 274 Backmuir Rusty sold to A & F Baillie, Low Glasnick Farm, Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart
10,000gns Lot 353 Strathisla Rhinestone sold to Firm of James S Gunn, Carsgoe, Halkirk, Caithness
9500gns Lot 337 Greencap Remark-A-Bull sold to W & R Murdoch, Murroch Farm, Dumbarton
9500gns Lot 347 Popes Russian sold to Gelston Castle Farms, Borland of Kelton, Castle Douglas
9000gns Lot 301 Overhill House Rudolf sold to G & A Milne, Standingstones, Durris, Banchory
8500gns Lot 303 Coltfield Result sold to Farquharson Farms, Darley, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire
8500gns Lot 344 Kilbride Farm Rancher sold to T R Walker, Ryeflatt Farm, Cleghorn, Lanark
8000gns Lot 302 Corskie Roseisle sold to Scottish Government Bull Stud, Knocknagael, Inverness
8000gns Lot 304 Overhill House Race sold to Glenkiln Farms, Bettyknowes, Crocketford, Dumfries
8000gns Lot 345 Merkland Ringleader sold to John Mitchell & Co, Rumbleton Rig, Greenlaw, Duns
7500gns Lot 280 Corskie Rye sold to Mossburnford Farm P/Ship, Mossburnford, Jedburgh
7500gns Lot 292 Fallhills Rosco sold to Steven Sandison, Millburn Farm, Harray, Orkney
7500gns Lot 333 Omorga Ranger sold to C & J Carmichael, Fiart, Isle of Lismore, Oban
7500gns Lot 348 Strathisla Rookie sold to Steven Sandison, Millburn Farm, Harray, Orkney
Top Female
7500gns Lot 364 Newbiemains Red Rachel sold to Raeside Farm Ltd, Ladeside, Fenwick, Kilmarnock
by Claire | Oct 16, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025
For Robert Manson, the Simmental breed offers everything a commercial producer could ask for—maternal strength, good temperament, efficient growth, and the kind of adaptability required on the farm’s varied land.
Brodieshill Farm is located near Forres, one of the largest towns in the Moray region. Renowned for its rich history, the town is close to Elgin, and as you approach the farm, the stunning coastal landscapes take your breath away. The farm boasts spectacular views out across the Moray Firth, however, much of the land is reclaimed hill ground, meaning it has been converted from a non-arable state into productive farmland, so involves careful management to avoid long-term problems, such as increased flooding risks.
Robert Manson from Brodieshill farm (image: Rob Haining)
But as you cast your eye around the stock of robust, healthy, 160 good-looking suckler cows and a flock of 600 sheep, you can see that Robert and his father Colin make the very best of what they’ve got.
Brodieshill has been in the Manson family since 1947, with Robert now the third generation to farm it. He and his father, Colin, run the enterprise in partnership with Robert’s wife, Nicola, and his mother, Irene. Their two children, Mhairi (14) and Andrew (11), take a keen interest—when not playing for their local ice hockey team. In fact, during the visit, Nicola was busy packing for an upcoming tournament in Sweden.
Nicola has also diversified the farm’s offering by opening a natural play area. It’s become a hub for local families, offering sessions where children explore the outdoors, interact with animals, and learn about the farming seasons—blending education with the rural experience.
Spring barley—400 acres of it—is grown for malting, with sub-standard grain used in cattle feed. Feed is further supplemented with a TMR mix from Harbro, guided by nutritionist Ian Anderson. The sheep flock is fed East Coast Viners pellets, with most lambs fattened on grass and finished on-farm.
The farm supports a 160-cow Simmental-based suckler herd, split into spring and autumn calving blocks. There are also 600 breeding ewes, with early lambing Suffolk Mules and later lambing Highland, Scotch Mule, Cheviot Mule, and Texel crosses.
Lambing is carried out inside a polytunnel, where they will stay for 24 hours before being taken outside. The first lambs are away by the end of May, when they are sold directly to slaughter through Woodhead Bros at Turriff for Dunbia. Between 70 and 100 lambs are kept for breeding.
There is 160 cow Simmental based suckler herd at Brodieshill (image: Rob Haining)
Introducing the Simmental as a dual-purpose sire, the Manson family from Morayshire has been able to produce home-bred, medium-sized replacements which can sustain the type of ground on their unit. Robert says: “Much of the ground was reclaimed, back in the late 70s and 80s, so we need to be aware of environmental management and damage, so I’m looking at a mature cow that weighs no more than 800kgs or 900kgs tops. It’s not land that can sustain big, heavy, one-tonne-plus cows. Obviously, that’s because of the amount of grass; it’s just the way the farm is, it’s pretty tough. The Simmental is capable of thriving on this type of ground.”
Colin and Robert have built a good reputation for selling high-health commercial bulling heifers and store cattle through the live ring, as well as finished cattle directly to slaughter through ABP at Perth. Robert says that any cast cows typically go through Thainstone. He says that while he won’t keep anything that’s too old, if they’re fit and productive, and are still deemed efficient, he’s happy.
Originally, Charolais bulls were used over Simmental-cross cows, producing fast-finishing bull beef and finished heifers. But with hard calvings and no home-bred replacements, the system had its drawbacks. Eighteen years ago, the first Simmental-cross heifers were bought from Bill and Garry Patterson at Upper Forgie—and the shift began.
“We’ve never looked back,” Robert says. “Simmentals are docile and easy to work with. We needed a big-framed female to handle Charolais calves, but now we’re focused more on breeding replacements—so Simmental bulls are used across the board.”
The cows which are split calving from the end of February onwards and then from the end of July (image: Rob Haining)
The herd has been influenced by Burghbridge Ricardo, Blackford Island Warrior, which was bought for 11,000gns, and more recently three Islavale bulls. Their genetics have delivered a well-balanced, productive herd. The current stock sires include a Corskie and a Blackford bull, both of which are bringing extra flesh and frame to the herd. Bulls are sourced locally or through United Auctions at Stirling
The suckler herd calves in two distinct periods: from the end of February to the end of April and again from the end of July to mid-October. All heifers are vet checked and have been pelvic measured since 2015, and any not suitable for breeding are put to the fattening pen. The vast majority of females are calved at two and a half years old.
The herd is enrolled in the premium cattle health scheme, boasting:
• Johne’s Level 1 accreditation
• BVD accredited and vaccinated
• Vaccination against IBR, BVD and Leptospirosis
“We like to run a tight calving period, so bulls are out with the cows for 12 weeks and just six weeks with the heifers,” commented Robert. “Since moving away from the Charolais, we haven’t seen much of a difference in the weights of the calves, and we generally find that the Simmental calves are a good weight for age. The males used to be kept entire, but we soon realised that the stots could stand up to the other breeds in the store ring.”
Autumn-born bullock calves are weaned and kept inside for six weeks before being sold privately. The autumn calving cows calve outside next to the steading, and they’re housed from the end of November. Stock is outside during the summer months, but Robert says it would be very rare to see anything go to grass here before May.
Heifers that are approaching the point where they will be evaluated for breeding (image: Rob Haining)
Spring-born calves will be weaned at the end of October, while male calves, born in the autumn, will be taken off their mothers in May, and won’t go out to grass. Heifer calves will normally run with their mothers until the beginning of July, because that’s when we start getting fly problems.”
With the Simmental being the only terminal sire amongst the cows, the females are almost pure. Between 15 and 20 replacements from each calving are retained, with the remainder sold to returning buyers through Aberdeen and Northern Marts at Thainstone in May, at 18 to 19 months of age. As Robert explains: “Just now we’re trying to keep cow numbers up, if not increase them, so I’ll look to bull, around 15 in the spring, and another 15 in the autumn.
“We still have a fattening pen on the farm for any heifers that we don’t think will make the grade for breeding,” commented Robert. “We only sell what we would be happy to breed from ourselves.
“There’s flexibility within the breed, which allows us to retain our own breeding stock. Anything we don’t want has a ready market up here – there’s a place for the females and we can sell the male calves store in February, when they are as good a weight for age as anything else.”
“This year, the Mansons hope to capitalise on the prime cattle prices and have retained around 40 bulls, keeping them entire, and reverted to bull beef. Robert says they’ll mature between 13 and 15 months old and will be sent to ABP at Perth.
“Normally, the males would have been castrated, but we’ve got the option with the Simmental breed that we can switch to bull beef and know that they’re going to produce in terms of weight for age. “It’s going to be a good carcass weight, it’s going to have a reasonable cost of production, and is allowing us to be very flexible with what we do and how we market our cattle.”
“I think it’s important that breeders keep focus from a commercial point of view and focus on maternal traits,” adds Robert. “When buying stock bulls, it’s important that they can produce replacements. As such, we look for long, deep bulls with a bit of shape that will pass through onto our females.”
Using the right animal genetics can help the beef industry become more efficient and profitable. Recently, Robert has turned his attention to using the Simmental breed classification system to refine his decisions—especially on the female side.
Cows typically begin calving in late February, with a second calving period starting at the end of July (image: Rob Haining)
“You can look back through lines and find how cows have been classified for feet, udders, temperament, all these things. I was lucky enough to witness it being done on a top Simmental herd, which I find fascinating and impressive for its accuracy.
At the end of the day, your eyes are your merchant, and you have to like what you see, but I didn’t realise how good a system that was for selection, and I will look through that more when I’m selecting in the future.”
The Simmental breed, with its balance of maternal power and terminal flexibility, has enabled the Mansons to build a cow that suits the land, the market, and the future.
As Robert puts it, “There’s flexibility within the breed that gives us options. It lets us breed what we need, sell what we don’t, and do it all in a way that works for our land and our family.”
by Nicky Moreton | Oct 10, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 Market Briefs, 2025 News, 2025
Sales at Thainstone, UA Stirling, Caledonian Marts, Lanark, Ayr, Newton Stewart, Quoybrae, and Dumfries featured.
Moving round the UK, we’re back in Scotland and looking at markets across Scotland in this last two to three weeks and where flexible, efficient Simmentals continue to top commercial sale sections.
Giving you milk and maternal, easy calving, super temperament, growth, leading age at slaughter, and leading daily carcase gain, there’s so much more to Simmental!
Lawrie & Symington’s sale of 144 cattle on 6th October included a section of 80 cast cows. Leading the way in the section was a Simm from Traquair at £2290.
HUNCHAQUOY SIMM STORE HEIFER TO £2550, 508ppk
At Thainstone on 3rd October, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 1050 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned calves. Heifers (222) averaged 405p and sold to 508p per kg for a 502kg Simmental Cross from Hunchaquoy, Swannay.
£2984 PRIME SIMM HEIFER AT THAINSTONE
Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 75 prime cattle at Thainstone on 2nd October. Prime heifers (25) sold to £2984.10 gross for a 870kg Simmental Cross from 4 Kirkview, Lumphanan.
GREENWALL SIMM BULLOCKS TO £2400 AT STIRLING
On 1st October, United Auctions sold 1796 store cattle, 199 out of spec cattle, and 146 rearing cattle. In the bullocks Simm prices included: Greenwall £2400, Newbigging of Craighall 459.10p, Balegreggan £2360, Stoneyburns 442.40p, Torbrex £2340, Newbigging of Craighall 438.40p, Greenwall £2330, and Kirkland 438.40p 438.30p. Simm heifers saw: Torbrex £2440 £2380, Torbrex 513.70p 499.00p 429.90p.
£5100 TOWIEMORE SIMM HEIFER WITH CALF AT FOOT
Aberdeen & Northern Marts sale of breeding cattle at Thainstone on 1st October saw Simmental heifers with calves at foot from EM Smith & Sons, Towiemore, Keith sold to a fantastic £5100 with others at £4950, and £4900 (x2). Simm X heifers with calves from Towiemore made £4950; £4850; and £4750. Simmental x heifers with calves at foot from W&M Ewing, South Blachrie, Fyvie sold to £5050 and with others at £4900 (X2); £4850 (X2); £4800; & £4600 (X2). Messrs Marty, Wester Bleaton, Bridge of Cally had the top price in the Cows with calves section of £4900 for a Simm with a Lim cross bull calf.
BINZIAN SIMM SUCKLED CALVES TO £400, ORMSARY TO 484.7ppk
Autumn born suckled calves on fire at United Auctions, Stirling on 29th September. Binzian Farm, Perth had pens of Simm bullocks, 12 months old or less, at £2400, and £2300 per head, and to 478.10ppk. Ormsary had Simm bullocks sell for 484.70ppk, and had Simm heifers sell to 569.90, & 504.20p. Binzian had Simm heifers, again 12 months or less, to £2300. Quote: “Nothing puts weight into calves like the Simmental cow, or bull for that matter!”
KMB FARMERS SIMM STORE BULLOCKS TO 545.8ppk
C&D Auctions held their fortnightly sale of Store Cattle in Dumfries on 29th September 2025 with 500 forward. Bullocks to 545.8p/kg for Simms from KMB Farmers, Ardlamy, and to £2460 gross with a Simmental from Somerville.
Lawrie & Symington’s primestock sale on 29th September at Lanark, saw young bulls topped at 350ppk for a Simm from East Merkland, and £2436 gross.
2850 MOSSIDE SIMM STORE BULLOCK LEADS THAINSTONE
On 26th September at Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 863 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned Calves. Bullocks (319) sold to £2850 gross for a 904kg Simmental Cross from Mosside, Fyvie. Heifers (244) averaged 409.5p and sold to £2500 gross twice. Firstly for a 558kg Simmental Cross and secondly for a 652kg Simmental Cross from Essil, Garmouth.
NEWTON STEWART STORES LED BY SIMMS AT 475ppk
On Friday 26th Sptember, Craig Wilson Ltd sold 742 store cattle at Newton Stewart. Sale was topped, price per kilo, at 475p k/g for Simmental Crosses from Mr A Henry, Barrachan Farm, with others at 471p, 451p, and 425p.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 984 Store Cattle at their sale in Ayr on 25th September. 405 Heifers Averaged 393.27p or £1786.64, with heifers peaking at £2500 for a Simmental off Stoopshill.
BERRYLEYS YOUNG SIMM BULL TO £3038.75
Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 122 prime cattle at Thainstone on 25th September. Young bulls saw Berryleys, Grange achieve £3085.25 with a Simm; with Newton of Savoch attaining £3038.75 for a Simm X.
ALMONT SIMM STORE HEIFERS TO £2420 496.90ppk AT STIRLING
At Stirling on 24th September, United Auctions sold 1671 store cattle and 140 out of spec cattle, cast cows, and bulls. Bulls were topped at £2710 for a 840kg Simm from Northfield. In the store bullocks, Simm prices included: Stoneyburn £2300, Sunnycroft 472.00p, Mollandhu £2290, Borgue House 438.60p, Wester Mye £2280, and Sunnycroft 438.40p. Simm heifers saw: Almont £2420, Almont 496.90p, Ormsary £2380, Ormsary 480.80p, Mollandhu £2360, Blackcruik 454.80p, Ryeflatt £2260 £2250 £2180, Ormsary 451.90p, and Strone £2180 .
SIMM HEIFER STIRKS TO £1860 AT AYR
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 124 calves and stirks on 23rd September at Ayr. In the stirks, heifers to £1860 for a Simmental Cross off Messrs Gilmour, Brownhill. Simmental Bull calves to £880 and £860 for Simm X from Drumachloy, with Simm heifer calves from the same home to £820.
At Quoybrae on 22nd September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 582 store cattle. Bullocks 351-400kg Lower Milton, Wick (Simm X) 480.8p.
Lanark’s primestock day on 22nd September included a sale of 80 cast cows which was topped at 316ppk for a Simm from Westtown farm, Stonehouse.
At Stirling and Caledonian Marts sale of prime cattle and OTM cattle, OTMs sold to 307p per kg for a Simmental from W Duff, Whitehill and to £2740 for a Simmental from I D Johnston, Kirkton.
by Nicky Moreton | Sep 26, 2025 | 2025 Market Briefs, 2025 News, 2025
We’re continuing to take snapshots of Simmentals doing the business in commercial sale rings around the UK. Today we’re highlighting just some Simmy toppers from sales across England in this last three weeks.
Simmentals giving you all of the milk and maternal qualities you’d expect as well as leading age at slaughter, and leading daily carcase gain. It all adds up to value, efficiency, performance and profitability. There’s more to Simmental!
At Sedgemoor’s sale of store cattle on 20th September, Simmental steers to £2230 (4x 27m) from RW Moore, Buckland St Mary featuring in the leading prices. In a sale of 549 calves, a good 1month Simmental bull to £630 from R Hares.
In a sale of breeding cattle at Gisburn on 20th September, cows & calves sold to £3020 for a Simmental Cross Cow with a pair of Limousin calves at foot from S Duckworth, Rossendale.
£2300 SIMM HEIFER TOP AT THAME
Thame’s sale of 510 store cattle on 19th September saw Merv Alderman top the heifer trade with his Simmental x Blonde at £2300. Simmental X steers from the same home sold to £2220.
SIMM CALF LEADS EXETER TRADE AT £635
At Exeter’s sale of 125 calves on 19th September, top of the day was £635 for a Simmental bull from May Priorton Ltd of Crediton.
KIRKPATRICK SIMM CALF MAKES £930 AT CARLISLE
On 17th September Harrison and Hetherington held their weekly sale of calves at Carlisle. Messrs Kirkpatrick, Nether Place sold a Simmental bull calf to £930. On the same day and a sale of weaned bulls and stirks, Fleckvieh bulls sold to £1750 and £1620 from High Crewburn Farm. Simmental heifers sold to £1560 from Kimmeter Green.
SIMMS TOP TRURO STORES AT £2365
Truro’s store sale on 17th September saw a good quality entry and a fine trade all around topping at £2365 for a stand out pair of 2year-old Simmental steers on behalf of Mr C G Andrew of St Austell.
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd, Kirkby Stephen Mart held their fortnightly Sale of cast and OTM cattle on 17th September. Fleckvieh steers sold to £2407.78 (703kg 342.5p) from Messrs Beck, Town Foot, Longdale with another Fleckvieh steer weighing 652kg selling for 341.5p/kg (£2226.58) also from this home.
At Frome’s sale of prime cattle on 17th September, some super Simmental under 30 month steers from Edward and Lucy Hicks & family 365 -371.5p/kg and all being R+ grades. These steers to £2342 and 369.5ppkg. In a sale of 278 calves on the same day, best Simmental bulls from M Carver flying to £640 and £520 to top the trade.
SIMMS LEAD SKIPTON YOUNG BULLS AT £2700
At Skipton on 17th September and the fortnightly sale of young feeding bulls, store bullocks & heifers, and breeding cattle, young bulls were topped by Simmentals at £2700, with others at £2400. Beef breeding cattle were topped by a Sim x cow, and Sim calf to £3600.
£2846 SIMM STEERS LEAD MELTON MOWBRAY PRIME SALE
In a sale of prime cattle at Melton Mowbray on 16th September, steers were topped by Chris Taylor with a Simmental at £2846.03, and who had others at £2675.31. A prime young Simmental bull on the same day made £2678.28 for Bungehurst Farms Ltd.
£860 SIMM LEADS SALE OF 915 CALVES AT MARKET DRAYTON
In a sale of 915 rearing calves at Market Drayton on 15th September, the day’s top price was a massive £860 for a Simmental bull from Mr F. Whittaker, Sandbach. A further Simm bull calf made £690 from RJ & RH Gadsbey.
Lancaster’s store cattle sale on 12th September saw JM Haddow, Milnthorpe, sell his Simmental steers to £2480.
£4050 SIMM COW & CALF AT THIRSK
The sale of breeding cattle at Thirsk on 9th September, saw a tremendous consignment of cows and calves from Bob Inglis of Goole. This run of 8, 6 to 8 year old, Simmental and Angus cows with 8 and 9 month old Charolais X calves at foot, sold exceptionally well to a top of £4050 for a Simmental cow, with another Simmy at £3400.
Melton Mowbray’s sale of prime cattle on 9th September saw Simmental steers from J Bunning make £2628.11, and £2434.22.
SIMM PRIME BULL TO £3254 AT CARLISLE
In a sale of prime bulls at Carlisle on 8th September, Simmentals sold to £3253.84 for 914kgs from Messrs Bell, Roxburgh Mill, Kelso. On the same day Simmental steers sold to £2,541, 722kg, Outer Woodhead, with Simmental heifers to £2558 from newbie Mains, and £2515 from The Close. At a sale of cast cows on the same day, Fleckviehs from Drumforber sold to £2801, 917kgs, and £2707, 916kgs. Thomas Mckinnl, Drumneil Farm sold the top priced Simmental cow for 858kgs, 295.5p, £2535 to Jewitts.
At H&H’s sale of prime cattle at St Boswells (Scottish Borders) on 8th September, trade was topped at £3271.67 for Simmental bullocks from Clark, Wellheads. Fleckvieh heifers from Tait & Co, Thorneydykes made £2453.43.
At Market Drayton’s sale of 262 store cattle on 8th September, 610kgs Simmental steers from D&A Warrington sold for £2270, with further Simm steers from FH Davies & Co at £2200.
SIMM STORE BULLOCKS TO £2645 AT PENRITH
On 8th September, Penrith & District Farmers’ Mart LLP held their fortnightly sale of (341) Store Cattle and Feeding Bulls of all classes. Simmental bullocks from Low Row sold to £2645.
A sale of breeding cattle at Gisburn on 6th September saw a Simmental cross cow with a Simmental bull calf from J Butterworth, make £2900. In the sale of stores on the same day, Simmental steers from P Briggs made £2400.
Hexham & Northern Marts at their weekly sale offered an entry of 203 beef bred Store Cattle from across the region on 5th September. Simmental x steers, 22-25 months, sold to £2400 from Brandon, and £2360 from Harbottle Grange.
SIMM STORES TO £2700 AT BENTHAM
Bentham’s sale of store cattle on 5th September saw Simmental steers to £2700 from SJ&AL Dennis, Bentham.
£1020 SIMM CALF AT CARLISLE
On 3rd September Harrison and Hetherington held their weekly sale of calves at Carlisle and which saw an entry of 330 forward. Messrs CM Kirkpatrick, Nether Place, Lockerbie sold a Simmental bull calf to £1020.
PRIME SIMM STEERS TO £3040 AT RUGBY
A bumper entry for Rugby Market’s monthly prime cattle sale on 3rd September, saw top grossing steers from H & J East with heavyweight 796kgs Simmentals to £3040.72
At Darlington’s sale of store cattle on 1st September, at £2400 was a thumping 2-year-old Simmental steer from JE Holliday & Son, Woodland House; the high-flying Holliday’s followed with a second Simmental at £2380.
Market Drayton’s sale of 199 barren cows, cull bulls, and overage clean cattle on 1st September saw sucklers topped at £2227.50 for a Simmental from The Binns Family, Stone Heath. John & Olwyn Whittingham, Mucklestone saw £2039 for their Simmental. Bulls were led by a young Simmental at £2389.60 from SH&JE Dennison, Chirbury.
Bakewell’s store cattle sale on 1st September saw 293 steers average £1663. 18-month-old Simm steers from Thorp farms, Baslow sold to £2400, with others from E&D Kemp, Etwall, at £2360.
by Nicky Moreton | Sep 22, 2025 | 2025 Market Briefs, 2025 News, 2025
Sales at Thainstone, UA Stirling, Caledonian Marts, Lanark, Ayr, Fort William, and Dumfries featured.
We’re back in Scotland, looking at this last fortnight, and featuring auction marts where Simmental cattle are doing the business and with leading top prices across all sale commercial sale sections.
Giving you milk and maternal, leading age at slaughter, and leading daily carcase gain, there’s more to Simmental!
At Stirling Caledonian Marts sale of prime and OTM cattle on 18th September, OTMs averaged 246.33p per kg selling to 307p per kg for a Simmental from W Duff, Whitehill, and to £2740 for a Simmental from I D Johnston, Kirkton. Cast males sold to £2500 for a Simmental from T Mitchell, Easter Gormyre.
SIMM BULLOCKS TO £2460 AT STIRLING STORE SALE
On 17th September at Stirling, Untied Auctions sold 1330 store cattle and 259 out of spec cattle, cast cows, and bulls and 105 rearing cattle. In the bullocks Simm prices included: Southside £2460, Noblehall 469.00p, Temples £2190, and Shawhead 466.50p. Simm heifers included: Almont £2230, Cleddans 451.30p, Nether Enoch £2180, and South Quarter 447.20p.A Simm OTM cow from Over Finlarg made £2890, with a Simm OTM bull from Woodburn at £2670.
At Fort William on 16th September, Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd held a sale of spring born calves and store cattle, adult heading breeding cattle and OTM cattle. OTM cattle (37) averaged 216.8p per kg and sold to £2,120 gross for a 1,040kg Simmental bull from Ardtornish Farms, Morven.
At Ayr on 16th September, clean cattle (top price per head) was a Simmental bullock at £2020 from Dalmoak.
DUNBAE SIMM AT £2520 TOPS DUMFRIES
C&D Auctions held their fortnightly sale of Store Cattle in Dumfries on 15th September 2025. 508 forward; A large ringside of buyers in attendance saw bullocks sold to £2520 and 459.6p/kg for Simms from Ramsay, Dunbae.
On Friday 12th September, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 448 store cattle & young bulls. 601-650kg Simm X heifer from Glenernie made £2400, 651-700kg Simm X heifer from Stemster also made £2400.
HARTHILL SIMM LEADS YOUNG BULLS AT STIRLING
In a sale of prime cattle and OTM cattle at Caledonian Marts Ltd, Stirling on 11th September, Young bulls sold to £2700 for a Simmental from A & J Orr, Hill of Harthill. A sale of calves on the same day saw dairy heifers top at £530 for a 2-month-old Fleckvieh calf from G Reade, Mull.
SIMM HEIFER TOPS AYR STORE SALE
On 11th September, Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 859 Store Cattle at their sale in Ayr. All classes sold sharper again with a large ringside of buyers in attendance. Heifers Peaked at 473ppkg for a Simmental heifer off Caprington.
WESTPARK SIMM BULLOCKS TO £2720 AT LANARK
On 9th September at Lanark, Lawrie and Symington sold 1042 Store Cattle to a packed ringside of buyers. Bullocks sold to a top of £2720 for a 700kg Simmental x from Smith, Westpark Farm, and who had others at £2420, & £2220. Simm heifer prices saw: £2280 Burnbrae (Strathaven), £2200 Parklea (twice) & Richardton.
SIMM CALF MAKES £880 AT AYR
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 10 Dairy Cattle and 92 Calves and Stirks at their weekly sale at Ayr on 9th September. Heifer calves sold to £880 for a Simmental Cross off Messrs Howat, Burnton.
BURNSIDE CROFT SIMM HEIFER TOPS THAINSTONE STORES
Aberdeen and Northern Marts on 5th September sold 746 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned calves at Thainstone. Heifers (195) averaged 407.5p and sold to 463p per kg for a 432kg Simmental Cross from Burnside Croft.
At Caledonian Marts, Stirling on 4th September, Beef OTM’s averaged 254p per kg selling to 306p for a Simmental from M B Steel, Powblack and to £2640 for a Simmental from R McNee, Woodend.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 4 Dairy Cattle and 214 Calves and Stirks at Ayr on 2nd September. Stirks Peaked at £1880 for a pair of Simmental Cross Bullocks off Messrs Barr, Gree Farm.
EAST MERKLAND YOUNG SIMM BULLS TO £2767
On 1st September and Lawrie & Symington’s Primestock Sale at Lanark, young bulls were topped by a Simm at £2767 from East Merkland.
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