by Iain | May 7, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025 Stirling Sales, 2025
- 25 bulls set new £8795 May Sale record average, up £2075 on the year
- 100% clearance of bulls forward
- Seven bulls make 10,000gns and above
- Islavale bulls take Championship and Reserve
- Fifth consecutive year a new record Simmental average set at the Stirling May Sale
The 15,500gns Delfur Prince 23 (ET), from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour led another record breaking Simmental trade at the Stirling May Sale held at United Auctions, Stirling Agricultural Centre, on Monday 5th May.
Following hard on the heels of the at the time all-breeds record average at Stirling in February, the May Sale saw a total clearance of the 25 bulls forward to level at £8795, up by £2075 on the year. The £8795 is a record Simmental average for the May Sale, and remarkably is the fifth year in a row that a new breed record average has been set at this fixture. Seventeen bulls in all made 7500gns or more, with seven bulls making over five figures.
15,500gns top price Delfur Prince
A strong pen of bulls from Delfur Farms saw them make 15,500gns; 10,000gns x 2; and 7500gns to gross £45,150 and average a fantastic £11,288. Earlier in the day these Delfur bulls had placed first, second, third in Class Six of the pre-sale show judged by Gavin Brown of the noted Springfield Herd at Penicuik, Midlothian. November 2023 born, the 15,500gns top priced Delfur Prince 23 (ET) is one of the first sons at sale by the 28,000gns stock bull Islavale Magnum, and is out of the consistent breeding Delfur Hells, a Clonagh Tiger Gallant daughter, whose progeny include Delfur Roxy, the Simmental Junior Female Champion at the 2024 Stars of the Future Calf Show.
Purchasing the top price was Mr & Mrs L Moffat for their noted 65-cow Innerwick herd at Dunbar, East Lothian. Commenting Dorothy Moffat said: “We had picked him out in the catalogue beforehand as one to look at and we thought he really stood out in the show ring. He’s a bull with an impressive width and flesh, and has both bloodlines and figures which we think are suited to the Innerwick herd. In October 2022 we purchased Delfur Maverick for 16,000gns jointly with Bruce Lambie, Fallhills. Maverick has done exceptionally well, so we are very pleased to buy another from bull from Delfur.”
Speaking generally after the sale Delfur herd manager Garry Patterson said: “We’re really pleased with the sale and to see Delfur bulls go to top pedigree and commercial herds. The 28,000gns paid for Islavale Magnum was a big investment but it’s very encouraging to see his first progeny at sale sell so well. He was originally bought to breed females for the herd so to have the quality of these bulls for sale is a real bonus on top. The herd presently comprises of 80+ pedigree breeding females and our aim continues to be to breed bulls with a bit of style, length, not overly shapey, of a nice size, with style, and that calf easily.”
Commenting on the sale, BSCS General Manager Iain Kerr said: “It’s fantastic to see another strong Simmental trade, and again driven by commercial buyers. Commercial producers are basing their suckler herds with Simmental genetics and seeing the benefits in milk, easy calving, fertility, and the ability to rear a quality calf year on year. At the same time, there’s the recognition of the breeds proven abilities in age at slaughter and daily carcase gain, and adding this all up it’s striking a chord with commercial producers and driving demand for the breed.”
13,000gns Pitgaveny Presto 23
Taking the second top price at 13,000gns was the first prize winner Pitgaveny Presto 23 from Pitgaveny Farm, Elgin, Moray. Presto’s sire is the 14,000gns Islavale Kristoff who was the Overall Male Champion at the Scottish Simmental National Show held in Turriff last year. Out of Pitgaveny Jingle VG 86, and with solid performance figures across the board, Pitgaveny Presto 23 now heads for the islands having been purchased by noted commercial producers G&M Porter, Carrabus Farm, Bridgend, Isle of Islay. Of the sale, Geoff Anderson said: “The 13,000gns is the top price the Pitgaveny herd has attained at sale to date, so we’re very pleased. Presto is a good sized bull with plenty of power and depth but he’s also a sweet bull and we think will breed good, milky cows.”
It was another terrific day for the Islavale herd of WS Stronach, Berrleys Farm, Grange, Keith, who took the top honours with both the Overall Supreme, and Overall Reserve Champions in the pre-sale show. The Islavale bulls each went on to sell for 12,000gns themselves, and in another notable herd achievement all four of the sales top priced animals were by Islavale sires!
Overall Champion 12,000gns Islavale Pegasus
Both entirely homebred, and both by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX 93 (who has bred bulls sold up to 13,000gns), the Supreme Champion came in the shape of the December 2023 born Islavale Pegasus. Out of the classified Curaheen Bandit daughter Islavale Damaris 12 EX92 (EX2), this stylish, red bull carries very good performance figures being top 15% for Maternal (Milk), and top 20% for both Terminal Sire, and Self Replacing Indexes. Purchasing the Champion bull was regular buyer Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stromness, Orkney, and for a client in Caithness with a commercial suckler herd of 120 cows.
Overall Reserve Champion 12,000gns Islavale Pilot
Following his team mate through the class and to take the Overall Reserve, was the December 2023 born Islavale Pilot 23. By the same sire as the Champion, Islavale Pilot 23 is out of Islavale Candy 4 EX92, a Curaheen Giant daughter. Again a bull with good figures, Islavale Pilot 23 is in the breed’s top 15% for Terminal Production Index, and the top 10% for Self-Replacing Index. Also making 12,000gns, Islavale Pilot was bought by J&J Marshall, Grantown On Spey, Morayshire.
Judge Gavin Brown, left, with his Islavale Champion & Reserve
Full concentration on the job at hand from the judge Gavin Brown, Springfield Herd
Of his Islavale Champion and Reserve bulls, the judge Gavin Brown said: “These two Islavale bulls were just standouts in their class, and with only days between them in age, there was also very little between them in terms of placing. Both animals had great width throughout and carried terrific flesh. Both with style, the Reserve may just have had the edge in that respect but my choice of Champion just had that extra bit of growth about him that had me place him first and give him the Overall nod. Two very good Simmental bulls.”
10,500gns Dunmore Peter
At 10,500 was the November 2023 born Dunmore Peter 23 from J&E Aitken, Overton Farm, Fintry, Glasgow. Got by AI, this calf is sired by Clonagh Tiger Gallant, and is out of the Team Celtic 11 daughter Dunmore Lollipop 20. With top figures for calving ease, and strong Terminal Sire, and Self Replacing Indexes, this bull was sold to England when purchased by Nunappleton Estate, Home Farm, Roebuck, York. Just two lots previously the Aitken’s also sold Dunmore Prime 23 for 8500gns to the Dewisland herd of M Evans, Upper Harglodd, St Davids, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Again, this bull had terrific calving ease figures. The 10,550gns, and 8,500gns both surpassed the herd’s previous top price at sale of 8000gns attained in February 2023.
10,000gns Delfur Prime Time
Two further bulls from the Delfur pen made 10,000gns. The first of these was Delfur Prime Time 23, another son of the 28,000gns Islavale Magnum 21, and who stood second in his class to the day’s top price (by the same sire). Out of Delfur Kora, a cow line with tremendous milk, Delfur Prime Time 23 was purchased by John Forbes, Achnacloich, Boultach, Caithness. Commenting Mr Forbes said: “This was a rangy bull with length, great proportions, and with a nice depth to him. He’s got character, is from a good line of cows, and is the dark colour we want for breeding replacement females. We run 110 Simm cross females, and 30 Luings which we put the Simmental bull on.”
10,000gns Delfur Partyboy
Making it a Delfur 1,2,3 in Class Six was the November 2023 born Delfur Partyboy 23. This heifer’s calf is by the easy calving bull Banwy Bonzo, who has bred bulls to 16,000gns, and is out of the Innerwick Ivor 17 daughter Delfur Mystique. Delfur Partyboy was bought by G&AG Proctor, Balnageith, Forres, Moray also at 10,000gns.
At 9,000gns was Braegarrie Proclaimer from DL&S Currie, Pinclanty, Girvan, Ayrshire. Standing second in class five to the day’s second top price, this August 2023 bull is by herd sire Overhill House Link 20, and is out of Braegarrie Gabriella, a Teviot Bouncer daughter. Woth good figures for Calving Ease, and Maternal (Milk), Braegarrie Proclaimer was bought by R Forrest Ltd, Preston, Duns, Berwickshire.
9000gns Braegarrie Proclaimer
Over from Northern Ireland, HJW&JC Moore, Coolesker, Beragh made 8800gns when selling the youngest Simmental bull in the sale, Omorga Rory 24. Got by AI, Omorga Rory is by the easy calving Denizes Hamish 16, and is out of Omorga Lily (ET). With a Terminal Sire Index and a Self Replacing Index both in the top 1% of the breed, this bull was sold to Shropshire and E Roberts, Haughton Farm, Ellesmere.
Selling at 8500gns was Broombrae Pilot P24 23, from the Tippetcraig herd of Mr & Mrs George Burns, Tippetcraig, High Bonnybridge. A first time selling Simmentals at Stirling, this September born calf was purchased at foot from the first part of the Broombrae Dispersal Sale of Gordon Clark, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Fife, held at Stirling in February 2024. By Camus Harold 16, and out of Broombrae Delight J5, Broombrae Pilot P24 23, with a top 1% figure of +15 for Maternal (Milk), was purchased by SA&J Stewart, Kininmonth, Cupar, Fife.
OTHER LEADING SIMMENTAL PRICES
8200gns Lot 107 Denizes Rolls Royce sold to W S L Muir of Upper Onston, Stenness, Stromness, Orkney
Denizes Rolls Royce 8200gns
7800gns Lot 86 Cwarre Paladin sold to A McAllister of Blairmore, Balfron, Glasgow
7800gns Cwarre Paladin
7800gns Lot 96 Pitmudie Prince sold to C McCrae of Mid Glen, West Glen, Langbank, Renfrewshire
7500gns Lot 77 Delfur Phoenix sold to EJ & AM Fox of St Johns Kirk, Symington, Biggar
7500gns Lot 79 Blackford Polaris sold to A Sharp & Sons of Farmton, Tough, Alford, Aberdeenshire.
7500gns Lot 101 Pitmudie Poldark sold to M Orr & Sons of Bangour Farm, Broxburn, West Lothian.
by Nicky Moreton | May 6, 2025 | 2025 Worcester Sales, 2025 News, 2025
Beanhill Ryan 24 makes 11,000gns
Wroxall Pornstar 23 (P) makes 9,000gns
20,000gns a new all-breeds centre record, and record for a Simmental bull sold in England
It was a record breaking day at the Worcester Simmental Sale held on Saturday 3rd May, at McCartneys Worcester Livestock Market.
Record-breaking 20,000gns Blue Cedar Peter 23 (PP)
Selling at 20,000gns and setting a new all-breeds centre record at Worcester, and a new record for a Simmental bull sold at a Society sale in England, was the homozygous polled, and entirely homebred, Blue Cedar Peter 23 (PP), from Nigel Darling, Intwood, Norwich.
December 2023 born, Blue Cedar Peter 23 (PP) is by Blue Cedar Kelso (PP), and is out of Blue Cedar Edwina 4th (PP). Purchasing this bull was stock manager Richard Bell for the 300-cow Bowley herd of Mr CM Mercer based at Hope-Under-Dinmore, Herefordshire. With limited staff, ease of management is a big factor for the Bowley herd and with the homozygous polled status of this bull being particularly attractive.
Blue Cedar Peter 23 (PP) with purchaser Richard bell (left), breeder Nigel Darling, and stockman Phil Boyd-Stevenson
Commenting after the sale a delighted Nigel Darling said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to sell Blue Cedar Peter (PP) for this top price, and to set so many new record marks along the way is just amazing. I joined the Society some fifteen years ago and have been concentrating on breeding polled cattle from the outset. We’ve presently got twelve cows and all of which are homozygous polled. There’s more and more demand for homozygous polled Simmentals from commercial producers who want easier management with no dehorning of calves whilst still retaining the traits the breed is renowned for.” The Blue Cedar herd was established in 2010 with the purchase of the 15-month-old bull Wroxall Abacus 09 (PP), and with the purchase of the heifer Hunnyhill Wendy (P) thereafter. Next up for the Blue Cedar herd will be the Royal Norfolk and with more homozygous polled genetics on show.
Endorsing Nigel Darling’s comments was the purchaser Richard Bell who said: “In a big herd like Bowley and with not many staff, homozygous polled Simmental genetics is very attractive to us. This bull has also got excellent calving ease figures and above average indexes so he ticks a lot of boxes and we’re delighted to have him.”
9000gns Wroxall Pornstar (P), Overall Supreme Champion
Earlier in the sale Richard Bell also purchased the day’s pre-sale show Overall Champion for 9000gns, and in the shape of the heterozygous polled Wroxall Pornstar (P) from the long established Wroxall herd of CH Evans & Son, Kington Grange Farm, Claverdon, Warwickshire. This naturally polled bull has shown phenomenal growth for age with figures to back this up, especially on the replacement traits. His mother was shown extensively and notably winning the breed championship at both the Three Counties and Staffordshire shows for two years on the trot. Wroxall Pornstar (P), is by Corskie Megastar 21 (P), and is out of Wroxall Lovely-Moira (P), a Coose Gambler (P) daughter.
The pre-sale show judge was Rhys Grenham from the noted Boars Head herd in Crowborough, East Sussex.
11,000gns Beanhill Ryan 24
The second highest price on the day was the 11,000gns paid for the final bull in the sale, Beanhill Ryan 24 from Mr & Mrs RJ & BE Kimber, Chippenham, Wiltshire. January 2024 born, this bull is by the AI sire Broombrae Major M3 21, and is out of Beanhill Inca EX 90, a Tillbrook Earl daughter. Purchasing this bull was RB Gough, The Gippols, Harley, Shrewsbury.
A small show of Simmental bulls within this multibreed fixture saw five out of the six forward sell to average £10,248 and again, a new record average mark for this fixture.
Judge Rhys Grenham left with Champion Wroxall Pornstar (P), and Reserve Champion Wroxall Pow Wow (P)
by Nicky Moreton | May 2, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025 Stirling Sales, 2025
At the pre-sale show of bulls being held on Sunday May 4th at 11am, Gavin Brown of the noted Springfield Simmental herd, Penicuik, Midlothian will be the very capable ‘man in the middle’ as the judge for the day.
Gavin and his wife Anna established the Springfield herd in 2014, some four years after purchasing the 140 acre Springfield Farm situated near the Pentland Hills.
The herd was initiated with the purchase of two cows with calves at foot from the local Woodhall herd of Hector McAskill, and two further cows, again with calves at foot, from the Hazelden Dispersal Sale of N McGeoch, Lochlea Farm, Kilmarnock.
In the very early stages after purchase, considerable work and time was needed to build Springfield Farm up. Gavin was looking for a pure bred animal that could be run commercially with low input, to try and keep running costs to a minimum, and a breed that was easy to work with and calf as the farm had very little in the way of handling facilities. So fitting this bill, it was the Simmental breed that Gavin and Anna turned to.
Today, and built around a base of quality bloodlines, the Springfield herd now comprises of 30 Simmental breeding females and with the herd having met with considerable success in both the sale and show ring.
Increasingly prolific, the herd’s sale averages have increased year on year to a best performance to date in February (this year) when eight bulls sold to a mighty average of £8250. This included a new herd top price at sale of £14,175 for Springfield Pace, (a son of the herd’s influential stock sire Islavale Jabba 18 (ET) EX92), and which sold to Orkney.
Another noted sale highlight for Gavin was in October 2022 when the Springfield herd had its first heifers for sale at Stirling and which averaged £4500, with a top of £6200. Four of the heifers were purchased by the high profile Popes herd of Jimmy and Vikki Wood, Dutton, Lancashire. For good measure on the same day, the herd sold four bulls, which had finished first, second, and third in their classes, and to average £5000. Live sales and semen sales have now seen Springfield genetics go world wide and including to China, Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey.
A keen supporter of the summer and winter shows, locally and nationally, the herd has met with many successes and including in the last four years, Simmental Championship wins at: the Simmental Youngstock Show at Carlisle; Stars of the Future Calf Show in Stirling; and LiveScot at Lanark. The aforementioned Islavale Jabba also secured the Senior Male Championship at the 2023 Simmental Scottish National, and was the World Silver Medallist for the breed in the Simmental Breeder online show.
Islavale Jabba has been prolific stock bull for the Springfield herd
13,500gns Springfield Pace
Speaking generally on the Simmental breed, why it fits the bill within the Springfield enterprise, and why it is proving so popular with commercial producers, Gavin commented: “I think the Simmental is one of the most commercial pedigree cows you can get. Low cost and low maintenance is so important but still striving to have that high daily live weight gain. It’s a balance the Simmentals have that I believe no other breed can match. Ease of calving is a real plus, and easy fleshing cattle just give you high outputs with low inputs. Generally females need to be able to survive on grass, whilst being milky, having a frame that supports easy calving, and carries enough flesh to support its calf through the first 6-8 months. To me these are the qualities where the Simmental excels and will give the breed the edge in future beef production.”
Turning to the bull sale at Stirling, and the judging job at hand this coming Sunday, and Gavin will again look to keep this very commercial focus. Speaking to the Society he said: “It’s an honour to be asked to Judge at the renowned Stirling Bull Sales and I’m very much looking forward to it. As ever I’m sure there will be a great show of Simmental stock with little to split between them. In selecting a winner I’ll definitely be focused on the demands of our commercial buyers and will be looking for bulls with good size, length, are well fleshed without being too extreme, or are overly powerful. As with any judging, fantastic breed character will always help that one special beast stand out from the rest!
Gavin, we very much hope that you enjoy your day, and the best of luck is extended to all Simmental vendors.
Judging Sunday May 4th, 11am
Sale of Simmental Bulls Monday May 5th, 12 Noon
It’s ‘time for a Simmental’ on Monday May 5th, with 35 bulls catalogued for the sale at United Auctions, Stirling FK9 4RN.
Please click on the link here to see the full published catalogue and timetable:
https://www.uagroup.co.uk/download_file/e166d153-2fec-4213-b27a-0a053681c0c3/1
by Iain | Mar 24, 2025 | 2025 Northern Ireland News, 2025 Dungannon Sales, 2025 News, 2025
- Bulls average £5477.50, a new breed record, and up by £1,897 on the year
- Three bulls make 6000gns and over
- 75% clearance rate
It was a record-breaking day for Cecil and Scott McIlwaine, Corrick, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone who sold Corrick Presley for 7200gns at the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Sale held at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Friday 21st March. The top price is a new breed record for a Simmental bull at this fixture.
September 2023 born Corrick Presley had earlier in the day been tapped out as the Overall Supreme Champion by the pre-sale show judge Martin Cunningham, who runs a commercial herd alongside his establishing Catcairn pedigree herd at Hannahstown, Belfast, and who commented: “My choice of Champion is just a fantastic modern Simmental bull. He has length, width, and power, and has all the qualities to be a breeder’s bull that anyone would be pleased to have.”
Champion Corrick Presley
Corrick Presley is by Seafort Gill and is out of the Team Celtic daughter Corrick Matilda. With top growth figures this bull is in the breed’s top 1% for 400, & 600 day weight, and top 10% for 200 day weight. Carrying on the theme his Terminal Production Index, and Self Replacing Index are both in the breed’s top 5%. Purchasing the top priced bull was local breeder William Ferguson who runs 80-90 Simmental x Limousin cows alongside the Sperrin View herd of ten pedigree Simmentals, at Stewartstown, Dungannon. Commenting Mr Ferguson said: “We had seen Corrick Presley on Facebook prior to the sale and were impressed by the bull in himself and also his performance figures. Seeing him at the market he was a bull with real length to him, full of character, style, and who walked very well. He was the colour we were looking for to breed replacements, had plenty of muscle and amount of bone for the type of cows that he’ll be used on.” Back in 2019, William Ferguson had previously purchased Corrick Justice from the McIlwaine’s and was a bull ‘who had worked really well for us.’ Of the 7200gns price Mr Ferguson said: “We really wanted to get the bull of the quality and type that we were looking for as it’s such an important investment for the herd. Corrick Presley ticked the boxes we were looking for.”
Champion with judge Martin Cunningham, breeder Neil McIlwaine, and buyer William Ferguson
Speaking after the sale a delighted Neil McIlwaine said: “Corrick Presley is a terrific bull, and going to the sale we thought he had the full package with his pedigree, performance figures and the looks. He’s a heifer’s calf who showed successfully in the NI Simmental National Show in 2024 at Antrim, and he comes from a good breeding line. Presley has gone to a good home and a repeat buyer in the shape of William Ferguson, and we look forward to see how he goes on and does.” Of setting a new Simmental breed record at Dungannon, Neil McIlwaine went on to say: “We are delighted to support and promote the breed at such sales as Dungannon, and it’s a thrill to set what is a record price along with a record sale average. More generally there are a lot of quality Simmental bulls being bred and sold by NI breeders which is great to see.”
The sale saw six out of the eight bulls forward sell to an average of £5477.50, up by £1897 on the year and setting a new record average for this Simmental fixture. Following the bulls, four heifers sold to average a healthy £3438.75.
Knockreagh Popstar 23 6000gns
Two bulls made 6000gns and with the first of these being Knockreagh Popstar from Val & Conrad Fagan from Newry, County Down. November 2023 born, this bull who stood second in his class, is by the leading sire Saltire Impressive 17, and is out of Knockreagh Kitty (ET) VG 88, a Dermotstown Delboy (ET) EX 92 daughter. Knockreagh Popstar, who carried above average figures for Materanl (Milk), and also Terminal Production and Self Replacing Indexes, sold to the Killyfaddy Farm pedigree herd of Robert Duncan, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry.
Drumacritten Robbie 24 6000gns
Also at this mark was the final bull in the catalogue, Drumacritten Robbie 24 (ET), from Mr WE Nelson & Mr GE Nelson, Drummacritten, Rosslea, Enniskillen. First in his class, Drumacritten Robbie is by Dermotstown Delboy (ET) EX 92, and is out of Drumacritten Dianna GP 84, a Drumlone Anchor 09 9 daughter. Buying this bull, who is in the breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease Daughters, was purchased by Ivan Henderson, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.
Drumacritten Paddy 23, Reserve Champion, 4300gns
The Nelsons also sold the day’s Overall Reserve Champion, Drumacritten Paddy 23 for 4300gns. October 2023 born, this bull is another by Saltire Impressive, and is out of Drumacritten Julie a Curaheen Gunshot daughter. Drumacritten Paddy was knocked down to G McBurney, Annalong, Co Down.
At 4000gns was the first bull in the ring in the shape of Craigy Prime from Mr WJ Dodd, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Co Down. August 2023 born this bull, got by AI, is by Seafort Gill, the same sire as the day’s top price, and is out of Craigy Jessica L9, a Keeldrum Fabregas daughter. Another bull with above breed average Terminal Production and Self Replacing Indexes, Craigy Prime was bought by Norman Thompson, Kilaloo, Co Londonderry.
Veaghmore Pebble 3500gns
In the females, two December 2023 born heifers from Mr DG Rooney, Newry, County Down, Veaghmore Pebble and Veaghmore Paris both made 3500gns and with both being purchased by James Porter, Dromore, Co Down. The stylish Veaghmore Pebble, got by AI, is a daughter of Clonagh Tiger Gallant, and is out of Cladymore Melody, a Curaheen Dickens daughter. Veaghmore Paris, again got by AI, is sired by the 16,000gns Ranfurly Limelight L11 20, and is out of Cladymore Jane, a Kilbride Farm Dragoon 12 daughter.
Veaghmore Paris 3500gns
L to R: Judge Martin Cunningham, Res Champ Drumacritten Paddy, and Overall Champ Corrick Presley
by Rachel Foley | Mar 13, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025, Uncategorised
Showcasing tremendous longevity and prolificacy, it’s a big happy birthday to the noted Simmental bull Team Celtic who yesterday, 12th March, enjoyed his 14th birthday at home in the Wolfstar herd of Ross King, and his parents Alex and Marion, at Ormiston, East Lothian.
Team Celtic pictured in 2016
A gold star example of the traits and all round value the Simmental breed is renowned for, Team Celtic has been used on commercial cows as well as pedigree cows and has sired close on 300 calves at Wolfstar. Through AI in herds across the UK, he also has some 377 pedigree progeny to his name, confirming his status as one of the most influential modern sires in the British Simmental Herdbook.
Born on the 12th March 2011, Team Celtic was bred by Robert MacGregor, Kirkton of Mailler, Craigend, Perth. He is sired by Auchorachan Winger, a Clonagh Tiger Gallant son, and is out of the Tilbrook Noble daughter, Team Kiwi 4, herself a twin to a female. Rolling on to the Stirling Simmental Sale in October 2012 and it was there that the Kings first set eyes on him and paid what has turned out to be a ‘bargain’ 11,000gns price! Commenting Ross King said: “At the Stirling Sale, Celtic just had a great growth and length, and we thought he was a very natural bull with lots of potential in him. We liked his pedigree and thought he was an obvious choice to complement our cows at the time.”
Team Celtic on sale day at Stirling in 2012 and where he made 11,000gns
It has proven to be a shrewd investment and from the outset Team Celtic bred consistently well producing both quality bulls and females. “We have no doubt that Celtic’s progeny was a formative part in putting the Wolfstar herd on the map and getting it noticed. In large measure it’s his success that made us grow the pedigree herd from 40 to 70 pedigree cows.”
The quality of the progeny, allied to some ‘cannae’ marketing on Facebook and in the Society’s Review publication, quickly grew a lot of interest and demand for Team Celtic genetics: ’All marketing of the semen has been carried out by ourselves, but again it’s his progeny that has done most of the talking. Catherine MacGregor also took some great photos of him in his prime and that enabled us to share how well he had matured,” says Ross.
Team Celtic sons have done extremely well at Stirling Sales, with many prize and section winners, and two Overall Supreme Champions. At the recent 2025 February Simmental Sale at Stirling, the breed record breaking 56,000gns Hemingford Prince Charming was sired by a Team Celtic son, Saltire Jaguar. At the same sale Wolfstar Prototype, and Wolfstar Pocket Rocket both sold for 14,000gns, and with Celtic sons at Stirling from the Wolfstar herd alone having now averaged over a terrific £11,900. The top price Team Celtic sired bull to date is the 28,000gns Islavale Magnum from WS Stronach, Keith, purchased by Delfur Farms, Aberlour in October 2022.
Team Celtic son Islavale Magnum 28,000gns
Continuing Ross says: “It’s the bulls that get the headlines but we believe that his females are actually better! As a herd we don’t show so Celtic’s heifers don’t get the same exposure the bulls do. Just mentioning two daughters but we think Wolfstar Flame is probably the best animal Team Celtic has bred here, and Wolfstar Forget-Me-Not has bred two bulls at 17,000gns (Wolfstar Jimmy Choo, and Wolfstar Nobleman).”
Wolfstar Forget-Me-Not, dam of two 17,000gns Wolfstar bulls.
Other Simmental herds have enjoyed great success in the show ring with Team Celtic breeding and including the multi-titled Annick Ginger’s Lucia, the 2024 Individual Interbreed Champion at the Royal Highland, from Reece & Andrew Simmers Backmuir herd, who is by the Team Celtic sired Wolfstar Gold Digger. The 2022 English National Show Champion came in the shape of Popes Princess Lumi from the Wood family, Dutton, Preston, and with Popes Princess Noor, from the same home, taking the 2024 Great Yorkshire Show title. Both are Team Celtic daughters. Back in the sale ring, and the 37,000gns top price at Stirling in May 2024 was Denizes Nugget from MA Barlow & Sons, Leyland, Lancashire and who is out of the Team Celtic daughter Ashland Topaz Janet.
Team Celtic daughter Popes Princess Lumi, Supreme & Female Champion 2022 English National Show
Backing up his pedigree and performance in the sale and show ring, and through the strength of his progeny, Team Celtic’s figures feature at the top end of many of the breed’s terminal and maternal traits (and with high levels of accuracy). Celtic is in the top 1% for 200; 400; and 600 day growth; Maternal (Milk); and Carcase Weight. His Terminal Production Index and Self Replacing Index values are also both in the breed’s top 1%. “Team Celtic’s progeny have just continued to improve his figures” says Ross. “The biggest change has been his Maternal (Milk) EBV. Since buying him as a young bull, and after his daughters started calving, his Milk figures just pushed on to one point where he had the highest breed figures for the trait”
Here he is and looking sprightly, the birthday boy Team Celtic, pictured yesterday 12th March 2025
So how is the birthday boy now and after his big day. “Celtic is showing his age a bit now but he really is still very fit and mobile. Visitors have always been impressed with his locomotion even with his size and power. At 14 he is still eager to work, but we are selective with the females we put to him, and last year he just got a handful of heifers. We know we are into bonus years but so long as he is fit and healthy he will stay with us at Wolfstar. He’s leaving a huge legacy here and is very much one of the family now..”, says Ross. Well said that man!
Commenting BSCS General Manager Iain Kerr said: “It’s a great story of a working bull, leaving his mark and legacy in a herd and a breed, and at a human level with a family, that I’m sure will resonate with a lot of cattle breeders. Team Celtic continues to be a hugely influential bull in the Simmental breed and the Wolfstar herd, and that is a great credit to the King family picking and purchasing him in the first instance, and for their herd management of him thereafter. With over 600+ progeny, many of which have proven to be both high end pedigree breeding bulls and females, Team Celtic really has generated a significant ‘one-bull economy’ with what will be a huge collective monetary value, as well as a breeding legacy. We market and promote the Simmental breed for it’s efficiency, what it brings in both its leading maternal and terminal traits, and for its longevity. Team Celtic is a gold star example of this and we wish him a very Happy Birthday!
by Nicky Moreton | Feb 27, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 Aberdeen Sales, 2025 News, 2025
SIMMENTAL BULLS AVERAGE £7770, UP £1938 ON THE YEAR, AND A NEW CENTRE RECORD AVERAGE
Islavale Pizza sells at 9000gns
Backmuir bulls at 8000gns, and 7000gns x2
Tillyeve, and Drumsleed bulls at 7500gns
The ongoing demand for Simmental bulls was again evident with another record trade for the breed at the 2025 Aberdeen & Northern Marts Spring Show & Sale, at the Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, held on Wednesday 26th February.
Ten Simmental bulls sold to average a terrific £7770, up by £1938 on the year, and setting a new breed record mark for this fixture. The clearance rate was an excellent 83%.
Coltfield Principal 10,00gns
Leading the way was Cameron MacIver, and his son James, Wester Coltfield, Forres, Moray who topped the Simmental trade at 10,000gns with their April 2023 born Coltfield Principal. This calf is sired by the by the 13,000gns herd stock sire Wolfstar Loose Cannon, purchased at Stirling in February 2022, and is out of the classified Coltfield Holly EX 92, one of the ‘best cows’ in the herd who to date had only ever produced heifer calves.
Combining pedigree and solid performance figures, Coltfield Principal went to Thainstone with a bit of a show record behind him having been a class winner at the 2023 Stars of the Future Calf Show held in Stirling. His sisters have also previously placed first in class at the Royal Highland. Buying the top price was commercial producer G McConnach, Drumneachie, Birse, Aboyne for their 100-cow Simmental based herd.
Cameron & James MacIver with Coltfield Principal who sold for 10,000gns
It was a fitting time to take the top price with Cameron MacIver currently being the President of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society, the hosts of this annual and noted Spring Show & Sale! Speaking afterwards Cameron said: “With my Presidency hat on I wanted to support the sale with a good bull and am delighted that Principal went on to sell for the day’s top price. We considered selling him in October 2024 but kept him back to use on pedigree heifers. A tall, clean bull, who has excellent mobility, he’s retained a good coat of hair and we think carries some real style and spark.” Of the Simmental Sale generally, he went on to say: “The quality of Simmental bulls at this Thainstone Sale continues to rise year on year and the demand for the breed from commercial buyers was there again which is great to see.”
Reserve Champion Islavale Pizza 9000gns
Selling at 9000gns was the day’s Reserve Simmental Champion in the shape of Islavale Pizza from WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. Full of proven breeding and performance figures, the November 2023 born Islavale Pizza is sired by Rockytop Luca, who has bred daughters up to 15,000gns, and is out of the ‘Golden Cow’ Islavale Topaz 8 EX 93 (EX2). Pizza’s figures put him in the breed’s top 1% for 400 day weight, the top 1% for both Terminal Production Index, and Self Replacing Index. He also carries a Maternal (Milk) figure of +9. Purchasing this dark red bull was JP Clark Ltd, Kinnahaird Farm, Contin, Strathpeffer. A prolific selling herd at Aberdeen, this second top price follows on from three consecutive years of Islavale topping this sale.
Champion, Backmuir Pacific 8000gns
At 8000gns was Backmuir Pacific from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith. Earlier in the day this bull had been placed a Overall Simmental Supreme Champion by the pre-sale multi breed judge, Stephen Sutherland, Sibmister, Castletown, Thurso. April 2023 born, this bull is by the homebred sire Backmuir Krypton 19, and is out of the Woodhall Ferrari 14 daughter Kennox Frankie’s Jewel. The day’s Champion was knocked down to Dingwall based commercial producer J&J Henderson, Udale Farm, Poyntzfield. It was another solid sale day for the 80-cow Backmuir herd who in addition to the Champion at 8000gns also sold other bulls at 7000gns x 2; and 6000gns.
Two bulls made 7500gns. The first of these was Tillyeve Polaris from Messrs C&M Bruce, Tillyeve, Udny, Ellon. By Corrick Logic 20, and out of Tillyeve Lily (TF), a Drumacritten Ian daughter, this bull is another heading to Orkney having been purchased by Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Stromness. A few lots earlier, Tillyeve Paddy 23, another Corrick Logic son, made 6000gns when selling to J Watson, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh.
Also selling at 7500gns was one of the youngest bulls in the catalogue, Drumsleed Pacific from Mr GW Smith, Drumsleed, Fordoun, Laurencekirk. May 2023 born, this third prize bull is by Dellfield Kingpin 19, and is out of Drumsleed Katelyn 19, a Lopemede Grenadier 15 (P) daughter. Drumsleed Pacific was knocked down to AJ McLeod, Mains of Hatton, Strichen, Fraserburgh. Another Dellfield Kingpin 19 son, Drumsleed Panther, sold for 8500gns at the recent Stirling Sale.
This Thainstone Sale followed hard on the heels of Stirling two weeks ago and where 94 Simmental bulls averaged a breed record £9,832, up £2,334 on the year, and with a new breed record price for a bull of 56,000gns.
OTHER SIMMENTAL PRICES:
7000gns Lot 48 Backmuir Porsche 23 to HJ Arnott, Westerton, Memsie, Fraserburgh
7000gns Lot 50 Backmuir President 23 to Finzean Estate, Finzean, Banchory
6000gns Lot 42 Tillyeve Paddy 23 to J Watson, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh
6000gns Lot 44 Backmuir Paddy 23 to JK Ledingham, Fintry, Turriff
5000gns Lot 56 Whitecairns Paramount 23 to C Gospel, Auchmacleddie, Strichen, Fraserburgh
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