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30,000GNS GARMOUTH ROBERT TOPS THE TRADE AS RECORD-BREAKING SIMMENTALS AVERAGE £11,070 AT STIRLING!

30,000GNS GARMOUTH ROBERT TOPS THE TRADE AS RECORD-BREAKING SIMMENTALS AVERAGE £11,070 AT STIRLING!

  • 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

Simmentals tick all the boxes at Brodieshill

Simmentals tick all the boxes at Brodieshill

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.
“The Charolais may still be the king for weight gain,” he concedes, “but the Simmental’s not far behind. And for our system, they suit us better across the board.”

 

SIMMENTAL ‘MONEY MAKERS’ AT COMMERCIAL SALES ACROSS SCOTLAND!

SIMMENTAL ‘MONEY MAKERS’ AT COMMERCIAL SALES ACROSS SCOTLAND!

Sales at Thainstone, UA Stirling, Caledonian Marts, Lanark, Ayr, Newton Stewart, Quoybrae, and Dumfries featured.

Moving round the UK, we’re back in Scotland and looking at markets across Scotland in this last two to three weeks and where flexible, efficient Simmentals continue to top commercial sale sections.

Giving you milk and maternal, easy calving, super temperament, growth, leading age at slaughter, and leading daily carcase gain, there’s so much more to Simmental!

Lawrie & Symington’s sale of 144 cattle on 6th October included a section of 80 cast cows. Leading the way in the section was a Simm from Traquair at £2290.

HUNCHAQUOY SIMM STORE HEIFER TO £2550, 508ppk
At Thainstone on 3rd October, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 1050 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned calves. Heifers (222) averaged 405p and sold to 508p per kg for a 502kg Simmental Cross from Hunchaquoy, Swannay.

£2984 PRIME SIMM HEIFER AT THAINSTONE
Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 75 prime cattle at Thainstone on 2nd October. Prime heifers (25) sold to £2984.10 gross for a 870kg Simmental Cross from 4 Kirkview, Lumphanan.

GREENWALL SIMM BULLOCKS TO £2400 AT STIRLING
On 1st October, United Auctions sold 1796 store cattle, 199 out of spec cattle, and 146 rearing cattle. In the bullocks Simm prices included: Greenwall £2400, Newbigging of Craighall 459.10p, Balegreggan £2360, Stoneyburns 442.40p, Torbrex £2340, Newbigging of Craighall 438.40p, Greenwall £2330, and Kirkland 438.40p 438.30p. Simm heifers saw: Torbrex £2440 £2380, Torbrex 513.70p 499.00p 429.90p.

£5100 TOWIEMORE SIMM HEIFER WITH CALF AT FOOT
Aberdeen & Northern Marts sale of breeding cattle at Thainstone on 1st October saw Simmental heifers with calves at foot from EM Smith & Sons, Towiemore, Keith sold to a fantastic £5100 with others at £4950, and £4900 (x2). Simm X heifers with calves from Towiemore made £4950; £4850; and £4750. Simmental x heifers with calves at foot from W&M Ewing, South Blachrie, Fyvie sold to £5050 and with others at £4900 (X2); £4850 (X2); £4800; & £4600 (X2). Messrs Marty, Wester Bleaton, Bridge of Cally had the top price in the Cows with calves section of £4900 for a Simm with a Lim cross bull calf.

BINZIAN SIMM SUCKLED CALVES TO £400, ORMSARY TO 484.7ppk
Autumn born suckled calves on fire at United Auctions, Stirling on 29th September. Binzian Farm, Perth had pens of Simm bullocks, 12 months old or less, at £2400, and £2300 per head, and to 478.10ppk. Ormsary had Simm bullocks sell for 484.70ppk, and had Simm heifers sell to 569.90, & 504.20p. Binzian had Simm heifers, again 12 months or less, to £2300. Quote: “Nothing puts weight into calves like the Simmental cow, or bull for that matter!”

KMB FARMERS SIMM STORE BULLOCKS TO 545.8ppk
C&D Auctions held their fortnightly sale of Store Cattle in Dumfries on 29th September 2025 with 500 forward. Bullocks to 545.8p/kg for Simms from KMB Farmers, Ardlamy, and to £2460 gross with a Simmental from Somerville.

Lawrie & Symington’s primestock sale on 29th September at Lanark, saw young bulls topped at 350ppk for a Simm from East Merkland, and £2436 gross.

2850 MOSSIDE SIMM STORE BULLOCK LEADS THAINSTONE
On 26th September at Thainstone, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 863 store cattle, young bulls and young and weaned Calves. Bullocks (319) sold to £2850 gross for a 904kg Simmental Cross from Mosside, Fyvie. Heifers (244) averaged 409.5p and sold to £2500 gross twice. Firstly for a 558kg Simmental Cross and secondly for a 652kg Simmental Cross from Essil, Garmouth.

NEWTON STEWART STORES LED BY SIMMS AT 475ppk
On Friday 26th Sptember, Craig Wilson Ltd sold 742 store cattle at Newton Stewart. Sale was topped, price per kilo, at 475p k/g for Simmental Crosses from Mr A Henry, Barrachan Farm, with others at 471p, 451p, and 425p.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 984 Store Cattle at their sale in Ayr on 25th September. 405 Heifers Averaged 393.27p or £1786.64, with heifers peaking at £2500 for a Simmental off Stoopshill.

BERRYLEYS YOUNG SIMM BULL TO £3038.75
Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 122 prime cattle at Thainstone on 25th September. Young bulls saw Berryleys, Grange achieve £3085.25 with a Simm; with Newton of Savoch attaining £3038.75 for a Simm X.

ALMONT SIMM STORE HEIFERS TO £2420 496.90ppk AT STIRLING
At Stirling on 24th September, United Auctions sold 1671 store cattle and 140 out of spec cattle, cast cows, and bulls. Bulls were topped at £2710 for a 840kg Simm from Northfield. In the store bullocks, Simm prices included: Stoneyburn £2300, Sunnycroft 472.00p, Mollandhu £2290, Borgue House 438.60p, Wester Mye £2280, and Sunnycroft 438.40p. Simm heifers saw: Almont £2420, Almont 496.90p, Ormsary £2380, Ormsary 480.80p, Mollandhu £2360, Blackcruik 454.80p, Ryeflatt £2260 £2250 £2180, Ormsary 451.90p, and Strone £2180 .

SIMM HEIFER STIRKS TO £1860 AT AYR
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 124 calves and stirks on 23rd September at Ayr. In the stirks, heifers to £1860 for a Simmental Cross off Messrs Gilmour, Brownhill. Simmental Bull calves to £880 and £860 for Simm X from Drumachloy, with Simm heifer calves from the same home to £820.

At Quoybrae on 22nd September, Aberdeen & Northern Marts sold 582 store cattle. Bullocks 351-400kg Lower Milton, Wick (Simm X) 480.8p.

Lanark’s primestock day on 22nd September included a sale of 80 cast cows which was topped at 316ppk for a Simm from Westtown farm, Stonehouse.

At Stirling and Caledonian Marts sale of prime cattle and OTM cattle, OTMs sold to 307p per kg for a Simmental from W Duff, Whitehill and to £2740 for a Simmental from I D Johnston, Kirkton.

STRONG TRADE AT SALTIRE SIMMENTAL REDUCTION TOPS AT 4800GNS

The Saltire Simmental herd of J. & G. Houliston, Drem, East Lothian has been a familiar name in pedigree and commercial circles since its establishment in the early 2000s. Built on the use of top AI sires, the herd has not only achieved regular five-figure bull sales but also produced genetics that have spread into some of the leading Simmental herds across the UK and Ireland. Success has followed in both sale and show rings, with highlights including the record-breaking top-priced Simmental bull sired by Saltire Jaguar and the continued influence of Saltire Impressive, a bull whose name remains synonymous with quality. With cow numbers having grown steadily in recent years, the family made the decision to reduce herd size for management reasons.

The result was a select offering of breeding females, some with calves at foot, which came before United Auctions ring at Stirling on Saturday 13 September 2025. Two cows with calves at foot topped at 4,800gns and an average of £4,883, while four maiden heifers peaked at 3,800gns to an average of £3465.

4800gns Saltire Murron & Saltire Sophie

McLaren & Partners, Dargill, Crieff, had to bid to 4,800gns, to secure a stylish female Saltire Murron AI, a rising young cow born in July 2021, came forward as an attractive outfit with her March-born heifer calf at foot. She is by Team Celtic 11, himself a son of the noted Auchorachan Winger, and out of Saltire Galaxy, a daughter of the influential Kilbride Farm Dragoon. Her calf at foot Saltire Sophie, born in March 2025 was sired by Roma Legend 20. Her performance figures underline her quality and growth credentials, complemented by a solid milk figure of +13.

4500gns Saltire Kitty & Saltire Sally 2nd

Close behind was another cow and calf combination at 4,500gns, secured by Baird & Son, Mid Gallowhill, Blairgowrie. Saltire Kitty AI, born in April 2019, is a proven brood cow with depth of breeding and a strong track record of production. She is sired by Woodhall Ferrari 14, a son of Raceview All-Star, and out of Saltire Valerie – a female going back to the noted Saltire Primrose line. She sold with her calf at foot, Saltire Sally 2nd, a March 2025-born heifer by Roma Legend 20.

3800gns Saltire Ripple

Saltire Ripple (Lot 6) led the way in the heifer section at 3,800gns, selling to O. J. & J. M. Barker, Easter Yardhouses, Carnwath. Born in May 2024 she is a smart young heifer sired by the stylish Roma Legend 20 (by Islavale Frontier) and out of Saltire Galaxy, a proven daughter of Kilbride Farm Dragoon. This combination brings together modern performance bloodlines with the depth and consistency of established Saltire cow families, making Ripple an appealing prospect for future breeding. Other notable purchases included a January 2024-born heifer, Saltire Roxy is by the homebred sire Saltire Nighthawk 22, a son of Woodhall Ferrari 14, and out of Saltire Kitty, herself from the proven Saltire Valerie family. This smart young female combines two strong Saltire cow lines with Ferrari influence on both sides of her pedigree, at 3,200gns she headed to T. L. Stirling, Auchterblair, Carrbridge along with Saltire Rosemary at 3,000gns.

Completing the purchases for the McLarens was January 2024 born, Saltire Ruby a well-bred heifer by Roma Legend 20 (sired by Islavale Frontier) and out of Saltire Imogen, a daughter of the Curaheen Bandit line.

SALE PRICES
Lot No. (gns) (£) Buyer
1 4500 4725 W BAIRD & SON
2 4800 5040 J C MCLAREN & PARTNERS
3 3200 3360 T L STIRLING
4 3200 3360 J C MCLAREN & PARTNERS
5 3000 3150 T L STIRLING
6 3800 3990 O J & J M BARKER

£13,250 X 2 LEADS TREMENDOUS INCHEOCH SIMMENTAL BULL TRADE

£13,250 X 2 LEADS TREMENDOUS INCHEOCH SIMMENTAL BULL TRADE

  • 11 Simmentals (all polled) average £9182 (+£3924)
  • £13,250 new ‘Working Genes’ Simmental top price
  • Four bulls make over £10,000

The Simmental trade was on fire yesterday, 9th September, at the annual ‘Working Genes’ Sale held at the McGowan family’s Incheoch Farms, Alyth, Blairgowrie.

Two bulls topped the Simmental trade at £13,250, a record Simmental price for this sale, and with a total clearance of eleven Simmentals (all polled) selling to average a mighty £9182, up by £3924 on the year. Four bulls made over £10,000.

£13,250 Incheoch Ross 24 (PP)

Sharing the top values in the Simmental section, were two sons of the Canadian AI sire PHS Polled Worldwide 14W (P). First at this price was the homozygous polled Incheoch Ross 24 (PP) (TF) going to Douglas Gill, Brucefield, Easter Ross. March 2024 born, this bull with breed top 1% figures for Calving Ease, and top 5% for Maternal (Milk), is out of Incheoch Calypso J15 (P), a Dirnanean Fontana 14 (P) daughter.

£13,250 Incheoch Ragusa 24 (P)

At the same £13,250 price was Incheoch Ragusa 24 (P), and this time a heterozygous polled bull. Out of Incheoch Meise 16, another Dirnanean Fontana 14 (P) daughter, this April 2024 bull again carried top figures being in the breed’s top 1% for Maternal (Milk), and in the top 5% for Calving Ease. Buying this bull was Bruce Hogg, Birkenside, Earlston. The buyers of the two top price bulls were both repeat customers for Incheoch Simmental bulls.

£12,500 Incheoch Rocky 24 (P)

Packing a punch at £12,500 was the April 2024 born Incheoch Rocky 24 (P). yet again by PHS Polled Worldwide 14W (P), this bull is out of the Gibby’s Real Deal daughter Incheoch Lightning K13 (P). With top Maternal (Milk), and Calving Ease figures once again, a feature throughout the catalogue, this bull was bought by R Ramsay, Dunbae Farm, Stranraer.

£11,000 Incheoch Runrig 24 (P)

The final bull at the five figure mark was the £11,000 Incheoch Runrig 24 (P). April 2024 born this heterozygous polled bull is by Incheoch Niko 22 (PP) VG 87, and is out of Incheoch Flora N1 (P) (ET). Incheoch Niko 22 (PP), sold for £10,500 last year, the previous Simmental record price at the ‘Working Genes’ Sale, to the Islavale Herd of WS Stronach, Keith.

Other leading Simmental prices included: £9250; £8250; £7750; and £6750 x2.

Complete clearance and strong prices were a feature of this on-farm sale of bulls and rams. On the day four homozygous polled Luing bulls, topped at £17250, with the single Angus bull at £6250. Overall 47 Texel rams averaged £2319; with 47 Lleyns levelling at £1050.

Commenting after the sale, Neil McGowan said ‘It is great to see the confidence that commercial cattle breeders have to invest in the future of their herds. Most bidders were looking to breed functional, hard-working cows for the future’.

‘MONEY MAKING’ SIMMENTALS AT UNITED AUCTIONS, STIRLING!

‘MONEY MAKING’ SIMMENTALS AT UNITED AUCTIONS, STIRLING!

Today we move down to Stirling and to snapshot of commercial sales held there through August by United Auctions – Livestock Auctioneers. Again showing their all-round added value, flexibility, and money making ability, Simmentals have featured strongly, and in depth, through these sales and topping store bullocks, store heifers, bulls, beef cows, and young bulls sections throughout the month. There’s more to Simmental!

MILTON LEAD 448 HEIFERS WITH £2540 SIMM
At Stirling on 3rd September, United Auctions sold 1182 Store Cattle and 237 out of spec cattle, cast cows, and bulls. 448 heifers averaged 400.94p to 498.00p per kilo and £2540 for a 510kg SIM from Milton. Bulls (20) topped at £3190 gross for a 1256kg SIM from Blairsgreen. Other Simm heifer prices included: Milton £2540 £2340, Milton 498.00p 489.50p 458.60p, Flemington £2180, Flemington 448.60p, Milton £2160, Back o Muir 433.80p, High Mathernock £2140, Flemington 425.50p, Flemington & Purgavie £2110. The Simm bullock trade included: Boghall £2480 £2400 £2300, Milton 436.60p, Snaigow Farms £2300, Burnbrae 430.20p 430.00p 427.00p, Burnbrae £2280 x2, Broadstonehall 426.00p, Boghall £2270 £2230, Kirkland 425.10p, East Pitcorthie £2200

£2380 DALQUHURN SIMM TOPS 371 HEIFERS
At Stirling on 27th August, United Auctions sold 1058 Store Cattle and 134 out of spec cattle, cast cows, and bulls and 269 breeding cattle. Heifers (371) sold to £2380 for a 576kg Simm from Dalquhurn. Simm heifer prices included: Dalquhurn £2380, Dalquhurn 420.70p, Parkhouse £2300, Culnoag 418.30p, Dalquhurn £2280, Dalquhurn 413.20p, Culnoag £1920. Simm bullocks on the day featured: Dalquhurn £2520, Dalmahoy 467.90p, Balegreggan £2470 £2460, Meikle Dripps 448.10p, Dalquhurn £2370, Culnoag 432.50p, Ardgate £2360 £2350, Sornfallow 429.90p, Coxhill & 5 East Pitcorthie £2290, Dalmahoy 429.60p 428.90p.

SIMMS TOP PRICE IN BEEF COWS, AND BULLS
On 20th August, United Auctions sold 992 Store Cattle and 119 out of spec cattle, cast cows, and bulls and 94 rearing cattle at Stirling. Beef cows sold to £2790 gross for a 854kg Simm from Blairsgreen. Bulls sold to £3170 gross for a £1186kg Simm from Northfield. The trade for Simm bullocks saw: West Dron £2440, Auchengray 465p, Ardgate £2300, East Mains 454p & 446p, West Dron £2220, Auchenflower 438p & 437p, Eden £2180, East Mains 436p, Ardgate £2120, Werst Dron 427p, Auchengray £2060, Pathcondie 424p, West Dron £2000, Auchengray 420p. Simm heifers on the day: Huntingfauld £2280, Gateside 412p, Eden £2100 & £2040 & £1910, Auchenflower 413p.

£2600 SIMM FROM WEST DRON HEADS 371 BULLOCKS
Innerwick Simm Tops Young Bulls at £2200
United Auctions, Stirling, sold 790 store cattle, 184 out of spec cattle, cast cows and bulls, and 41 rearing cattle on 13th August. Bullocks (371) saw the top price gross being £2600 for a 604kg Simm from West Dron. Young bulls sold to £2200 gross for a 640kg Simm from Innerwick. Simm bullock prices saw: West Dron £2600, Balwherrie 449.30p, Adrgate £2540, Balgreggie 448.50p, Lochend £2490, Ardgate 444.10p, Wester Mye £2480, West Dron 442.90p 437.50p, West Dron £2480 £2380 £2280 £2270, Wester Derry 433.10p, Balwherrie £2260, West Dron 430.50p 429.90p, Lochend 427.20p. Simm heifer prices included: West Dron £2460 £2090, Falahill 449.50p 443.10p, Mains & Dyke £2000, and Wellees 431.00p.

SIMMS TOP STORE BULLOCKS, YOUNG BULLS, AND BEEF COWS
On 6th August at Stirling, United Auctions sold 502 store cattle and 99 out of spec cattle, cast cows, and bulls and 143 breeding cattle. Bullocks sold to £2370 (joint top price) for a Simm from The Mains. Young bulls topped at £1970 for a 482kg Simm from Low Kilwhannell. Beef cows were led at 370.20p per kilo for a 516kg Simm from Killinochonoch, and £2840 for a 1002kg Simm from Duntuim. Bulls were led at 325.90p per kilo for a 758kg Simm from Luckenburn.

Simm bullocks on the day included: The Mains £2370, Stonewalls 471.20p 468.60p, East Balscalloch £2300, Kirkland 447.10p, Temples £2280, Low Kilwhannell 441.50p, The Mains & Ardgate £2200, Ardgate 424.70p, Low Kilwhannell £2100 £2020, East Balscalloch 423.00p, and Netherton £2020. Simm heifers saw prices include: Temples £2280, Kirkland 452.00p, The Mains £2210 £2180 x2, Stonewalls 446.40p, Temples £2180 £2080, Kirkland 406.10p 401.00p.

The next Simmental Bull Sale is on Monday 20th October at United Auctions, Stirling. Click here to see the online catalogue of 94 Simmental bulls and 20 Simmental females. It’s time for a Simmental!