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 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
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