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
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.”
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