by Nicky Moreton | Sep 17, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 Other Sales, 2025 News, 2025
- 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’.
by Nicky Moreton | Sep 17, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 Market Briefs, 2025 News, 2025
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!
by Nicky Moreton | Sep 17, 2025 | 2025 Scottish News, 2025 Market Briefs, 2025 News, 2025
Simmentals continuing to do the business at commercial sales around the UK. Here we take a snatch look at a few sales over the last few weeks at Thainstone, Aberdeen & Northern Marts. There’s more to Simmental!
At Thainstone on 5th September, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 746 Store Cattle, Young Bulls and Young and Weaned Calves. Heifers (195) averaged 407.5p and sold to 463p per kg for a 432kg Simmental Cross from Burnside Croft, Torphins. A Simmental from Drumsleed, Fourdoun topped the bulls at £2680 gross.
On 29th August and a sale of 425 store cattle, young bulls, and weaned calves. 196 heifers averages 415.3p and sold to 525.4p per kg for a pen of three 472kg Simmental cross from Cottown, Rhynie.
At a sale of 146 cast cows and bulls on 28th August, Dairy Cows (29) averaged £1575.34 and sold to £2370 for a 764kg Fleckvieh Cross from Quendale, Dunrossness.
135 cast cows and bulls on 21st August saw beef feeding cows (49) average £2025 and sell to £2430 for a 750kg from Simmental from Carbrotack, Cairnie. Boning Cows averaged £1305.83 and sold to £1550 for a 590kg Simmental. Bulls (12) averaged £2150.83 and sold to £2690 for a 1130kg Simmental from Shank of Glenbarry, Knock.
In a sale of 111 cast cows and bulls on 14th August, bulls sold to £2690 for a 1275kg Simmental from Auquhorthies, Oldmeldrum.
A sale of 388 store cattle, young bulls, weaned calves, and breeding cattle on 8th August saw breeding cattle sold to £2580 for in calf Simmental cows from Milton of Collieston, Ellon. A sale of 146 cast cows and bulls on the same day saw beef feeding cows sell to £2290 for an 804kg Simmental Cross from Gladhill, Garmouth. Berryleys sold Simmental beef finished cows to £3080, and £2990.#
On 7th August, and a sale of 99 prime cattle, young bulls were topped at £2963.10 gross for an 830kg Simmental from Berryleys, Grange.
A sale of 746 store cattle, young bulls, young and weaned calves on 25th July saw 259 bullocks top at £2740 gross for a pair of 736kg Simmental crosses from Stoneyhill, Longhaven. Bulls sold to 440.7p per kg for a pen of three 236kg Simmentals from Dundurcas, Rothes. Breeding cattle sold to £4000 for a Simmental Cow with Simmental Bull Calf at foot from Cairnhill, Huntly, then followed by £3950 (x2), & £3700, all from Cairnhill.
by Nicky Moreton | Aug 18, 2025 | 2025 South East News, 2025 News, 2025 Virtual Show, 2025
- 429 Simmentals entered in this year’s competition over six classes.
- 2020 born cow wins Overall Supreme Champion
- Vale Royal North Star wins Male Championship and places Overall Reserve
- Champion and Reserve both from the Mixbury Hall herd
The 2025 British Simmental Virtual Show reached a thrilling conclusion on “Simmental Super Sunday”, 17th August, with Mixbury Hall Lucinda, a 2020-born cow from Vernon and Jon Bailey, Mixbury Hall Farm, Brackley, Northants, being crowned Overall Supreme Champion.
This year’s staging, the sixth edition of the UK’s largest online pedigree cattle show, attracted a mighty 429 Simmentals from 89 breeders, competing across six classes, over six weeks.
Lucinda, sired by the herd’s noted Tilbrook Frank (himself Virtual Show Male Champion in 2021) and out of Mixbury Hall Damelsa, emerged victorious after winning the Female Championship. In a first for the competition, both the Female Champion and Male Champion came from the same home, the 70 breeding female Northamptonshire based Mixbury Hall herd. The Male Championship title went to Vale Royal North Star, bought in a private deal, and who was also named Overall Reserve Supreme Champion.
Video from judge
Supreme Championship judge David Hazelton of the renowned Ranfurly herd, Dungannon, Northern Ireland, said of his Supreme Champion:
“Mixbury Hall Lucinda just oozes Simmental breed character, with a lovely feminine head, a great top line, real stature to her, and with tremendous length from hook to pin. She has a snug udder with ideally sized teats – perfect for what I call a ‘hands free calf’, able to suckle unaided from day one.”
Lucinda initially topped a highly competitive class of 60 cows in milk, judged by Heather Duff, Pitmudie herd, Brechin, Angus, before being awarded the Female Championship by Vikki Wood, Popes herd, Lancashire.
With regards to the Male Champion, and Overall reserve Supreme, Vale Royal North Star, the judge David Hazelton praised the bull as being: “Just a terrific Simmental bull with exceptional length, easy fleshing, and with a great carcase.” North Star won through a strong section of 141 males, including 27 senior bulls judged by Neil McGowan of the Incheoch herd, Alyth, Blairgowrie. The Male Championship was later awarded by Cornish breeder Steve Gummow of the Killiworgie herd. 2022 born, Vale Royal North Star is by the noted AI sire Auchorachan Hercules 16 (ET) EX 92, and is out of Vale Royal Annie who herself won the 2023 Simmental Virtual Show Championship for breeder James Arnold, Tarporley, Cheshire.
Speaking immediately at the close of the ‘Simmental Super Sunday’, and after receiving the Championship awards, an ‘over the moon’ Jon Bailey said:
“As a family we are absolutely delighted to have won both the Male and Female Championships, and the Overall Supreme – it’s incredible. The Virtual Show has been brilliant for showcasing our stock at Mixbury Hall, and for promoting the Simmental breed across the UK. At Mixbury Hall, we strive to produce quality cattle – good, milky, feminine, easy-fleshing cows that start breeding young and continue breeding well. We feel Simmental really is the breed that does it all.”
Jon also praised the wider competition and went on to say: “A huge well done to all breeders who entered, and to the judges for their time and effort. The Virtual Show is a fantastic event – great fun to take part in and to watch.”
On behalf of the British Simmental Cattle Society, the BSCS President Chris Martindale, of the Forsdale herd, Shropshire, said:
“Many congratulations to the Bailey family – winning a clean sweep of Championships from an entry of 429 quality Simmentals is a remarkable achievement. The Virtual Show continues to be an outstanding platform to promote the maternal and terminal qualities of British Simmental. Above all, it brings people together, showcases cattle on an inexpensive platform, and delivers a lot of fun along the way. It’s a competition that is very much anticipated and is now a firm fixture in the Simmental calendar.”
by Iain | Aug 13, 2025 | 2025 National Shows, 2025 North West News, 2025 News, 2025
Simmentals Win Interbreed team of Four
Denizes Trixi Belle Wins Interbreed Cow & Calf
Taking the ‘big win’ at the 2025 Simmental English National, held within the Royal Lancashire Show on 19th July, was Richard and Louise Storer Smith, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, who lifted the breed’s Overall Supreme Championship with their rising three year old bull Storersmith Navarone.
Navarone prevailed over a high quality field of some fifty Simmentals, the largest breed show in the year, and having been awarded the Championship by the judge for the day in the shape of the well-known Jimmy McMillan, Buckinghamshire who runs the noted Brandane herd and who has been a leading stockman over many years.
Storersmith Navarone, Overall Supreme Champion, and Male Champion
The ‘super quiet’ rising three year old Storersmith Navarone 22 VG88 is by the AI sire Clonagh Latin Lover, and is out of Storersmith Havannah EX 91, a Popes Barclay daughter. The win was a step on from last year when Navarone secured a class win and stood Reserve Senior Male at the corresponding event. Strong supporters of the breed, the Storersmith Simmental herd was established in 2009 and despite numerous titles at local and county shows, this was a first summer ‘major’ win!
Commenting on his Champion, Jimmy McMillan said: “This bull is full of breed character, had a lovely Simmental head, and walked well. With an easy muscling to him, not too extreme, he carried length, and was really good over his plates and tail setting. He was a worthy Champion on the day and I’d say is a very typical breeder’s bull.”
Judge, Jimmy McMillan getting ‘hands on’ at the English Simmental National Show.
There was a full Storer Smith family team very much hands on throughout the day and speaking afterwards a delighted Richard Storer Smith said: “Navarone is breeding extremely well in the herd and he’s a bull that’s just so docile having a beautiful temperament. He’s been used on all the heifers in the herd and they have all calved very easily to him. We first showed in 2011 and to now win what is the premier Simmental title in England, from within such a strong line up of cattle, really is fantastic and we are all very thrilled.”
Come Sunday, and in keeping with a season of breed Interbreed success, Storersmith Navarone then teamed up with Denizes TrixiBelle and her triplet heifer calves from local breeders Michael & John Barlow; along with the Reserve Female Champion Fircovert Peggy, from Paul Gunther, Norwich; and Guiltcross Razzle Dazzle from Marcus & Helen Searle, Norwich, to win the Interbreed Team of Four in front of the judge Richard Bartle.
Taking the Simmental Overall Reserve Championship at the English National Show, and the Female, and Junior Championships, was the stylish young heifer Cade Kathleens Rockstar, from Paul & Sharrie Cade, Paddock Farm, Buckden. By Sacombe Jameson 18, and out of Brandane Kathleen, a Blackford Hurricane 16 daughter, it’s been a big summer for this heifer who amongst multiple breed and Interbreed prizes won the Simmental Overall Supreme Championship at the Royal Norfolk in June. Of his reserve Overall, the judge said: “What an outstanding young heifer. She’s long, clean and so much style and ‘jazz’ in herd head. A really modern Simmental full of quality, I have no doubt she’ll make a phenomenal cow, and would be an asset to any herd.”
Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar, Overall Reserve Supreme, Female Champion, and Junior Champion
It was a strong defence of their title with Cade Fifi’s Nala having won last year’s English National Show for the Cades. In 2023, Cade Nugget, a full brother to Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar, won the Simmental Male Championship (within the Simmental English National Show), and the Interbreed Male Continental Championship at the Royal Norfolk. For the Cades herd they have now shown on four occasions at the Simmental English National Show and have come away with one Overall Supreme, and two Overall Reserves! Speaking to this heifer, Sharrie Cade said: “Rockstar is just a baby, not over done in any way, and we think she’s full of breeding with Sterling blood on both sides of her pedigree, and has a real bit of ‘flash’ to her.” Rockstar is a full sister to the aforementioned Cade Nugget, and also to Cade Kathleen’s Prada, a class winner at the 2024 English National Show. One to take aim at, the plans are that Cade Kathleens Rockstar will be entered into the Next Generation V Sale at Carlisle in December. For good measure the Cades had a further class win with their January 2024 born bull Cade Romeo 24 (ET), a Dovefields Gallant son out of the noted Sterling Celia’s Fifi.
Enjoying a prolific summer show season has been Paul Gunther, Felthorpe, Norwich, and who was at it again at the English National with the January 2023 born Fircovert Peggy, winning the Reserve Female Championship and featuring in the winning Interbreed Team of Four. Peggy is by Williams Kaboom 19 and is out of Fircovert Ina, a Burghbridge Bradley 10 daughter. Ably shown by Holly Lutkin, Fircovert Peggy has enjoyed a number of individual class wins and featured in winning Simmental Interbreed combinations this year at the Royal Norfolk; Great Yorkshire; South of England; South Suffolk Show; and now the English National.
Fircovert Peggy, Reserve Female Champion and part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four
Back in the bulls and taking the Reserve Male Championship and Reserve Junior Championship was Popes Randolph 24 from local breeders Jimmy and Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston. This April 2024 born bull is by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, another Manor Park Hansome son, and is out of Popes Whispers Idella, a Kilbride Farm Comber daughter. Early plans are that Popes Randolph 24 will be heading to Stirling in October. The Popes herd won exactly the same titles at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show and with another Clonagh Lucky Explorer calf in the shape of Popes Rector 24. Adding a further award at the English National, the Popes herd also won the Simmental Group of Four prize.
Popes Randolph, Reserve Male Champion, and Reserve Junior Champion.
Last but not least, and one of the stars of a high profile summer and an internet sensation, the class winner Denizes Trixi Belle from the Barlows, Nr Leyland, won the Interbreed for the Best Cow & Progeny with her unique triplet calves, and again judged by Richard Bartle. Denizes Trixie Bell 15 is by the herd’s prolific Denizes Hamish and is out of the Ashland Tornado daughter Denizes Trixie Belle 8. Capturing the hearts of show crowds in England and Scotland, Denizes Trixie Belle’s major highlight was winning the Overall Individual Interbreed title at the Great Yorkshire Show. At the English National, it was a ‘nap hand’ for the Denizes herd who with another strong team secured five class wins on the day.
Big mentions also to the Wacton; Guiltcross; Hotlick; and Wrinehill herds who all had red ticket wins on the day. Summing it all up we’ll leave the final word with the Simmental judge Jimmy McMillan who said: “It’s been a terrific show of Simmentals with the females having quality right through, and particularly in the younger classes. It was also very noticeable during the judging how many young breeders and handlers were involved which is just great to see. It’s been an honour to judge the English National and I’d like to congratulate and thank all of the exhibitors for the show of Simmental stock forward.”
Overall Championship Presentation
Female Championship line up.
Male Championship presentation
Junior Championship line up
Winning Interbreed Team of Four
Results from English National Show
Royal Lancashire Show, Saturday 19th July 2025
Judge Mr Jimmy McMillan
Class 1 Heifer, born on or after 1 September 2024
1st 232 Denizes Matilda – Barlow Brothers
Class 2 Heifer, born on or after 1 July & 31 August 2024
1st 234 Denizes Fancy Therese – Barlow Brothers
2nd 233 Denizes Beauty – Barlow Brothers
Class 3 Heifer, born on or after 1 April & 30 June 2024
1st 242 Popes Nellys Rhea – J H & V G Wood
2nd 240 Denzies Matilda – R E & S H W Steggles
3rd 241 Popes Tarkas Rosa – J H & V G Wood
Class 4 Heifer, born on or between 1 January & 31 March 2024
1st 252 Cade Kathleens Rockstar – P A & S M Cade
2nd 247 Guiltcross Razzle Dazzle – Marcus Searle
3rd 249 Guiltcross Ritzy – Marcus Searle
Class 5 Heifer, born on or between 1 August & 31 December 2023
1st 255 Denizes Wilde – Barlow Brothers
Class 6 Heifer, born on or between 1 April & 31 July 2023
1st 256 Denizes Eunice – Barlow Brothers
Denizes Eunice 5th
2nd 257 Heathbrow Precious- Holly Grant
Class 7 Heifer, born on or between 1 January & 31 March 2023
1st 258 Fircovert Peggy – Paul Gunther
2nd 260 Storersmith Puzzle – Storersmith Simmentals
3rd 259 Vale Royal Annies Princess – R E & S H W Steggles
Class 9 Cow, born in 2020 or 2021 in milk or certified in calf at the time of the show
1st 261 Scotland Hill Ivy Molly – R E & S H W Steggles
Scotland Hill Ivy Molly from the Wacton herd.
Class 10 Cow, born before 1 January 2020 in milk or certified in calf at the time of the show
1st 262 Denizes Trixie Belle – Barlow Brothers
Class 12 Bull, born on or after 1 July & 31 August 2024
1st 267 Holtick Rampage – M V Hicks & Sons
Hotlick Rampage
2nd 266 Denizes Rocketman – Barlow Brothers
3rd 265 Denizes Razzamatazz – Barlow Brothers
Class 13 Bull, born on or after 1 April & 30 June 2024
1st 275 Popes Randolph – J H & V G Wood
2nd 270 Popes Russian – J H & V G Wood
3rd 271 Popes Rollo – J H & V G Wood
Class 14 Bull, born on or between 1 January & 31 March 2024
1st 280 Cade Romeo – PA & SM Cade
Cade Romeo
2nd 279 Fishpool Rocky – T & J Hassall
Class 15 Bull, born in 2023
1st 281 Wacton Peroni – Peter Hatton
Wacton Peroni, Reserve Senior Male, and Class 15 winner
2nd 282 Fircovert Peacock – Paul Gunther
Class 16 Bull, born on or before 31 December 2022
1st 283 Storersmith Navarone – Storersmith Simmentals
Champion Female
252 Cade Kathleens Rockstar, PA & SM Cade
Reserve Female Champion
258 Fircovert Peggy, Paul Gunther
Male Champion
283 Storersmith Navarone, Storersmith Simmentals
Reserve Male Champion
275 Popes Randolph, J H & V G Wood
Junior Champion
252 Cade Kathleens Rockstar, P A & S M Cade
Reserve Junior Champion
275 Popes Randolph, J H & V G Wood
Overall Champion
283 Storersmith Navarone, Storersmith Simmentals
Reserve Overall Champion
252 Cade Kathleens Rockstar
Pairs
1st Marcus Searle
2nd J H & V G Wood
3rd R E & S H W Steggles
Group of 4
1st J H & V G Wood
2nd R E & S H W Steggles
Winning Group of Four from the Popes herd. From the left: Popes Rhea; Popes Nellys Prudence; Popes Diamonds Ritzi; Popes Russian
by Iain | Aug 5, 2025 | 2025 National Shows, 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025
James Hodge’s Denizes Melody 62nd takes Reserve Overall Supreme and Junior Champion
Grangewood Robert The Bruce Wins Overall male Championship
She’s only gone and done it again! The amazing Annick Ginger’s Lucia, from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire, extended her remarkable show record when winning the Overall Simmental Supreme Championship, and Female Championship, at the 2025 Scottish National Show, held within Perth Show, on Saturday 2nd August.
Senior Female, Female & Overall Supreme Champion, Annick Ginger’s Lucia
The win was a second successive Overall Supreme at the Scottish Simmental National, and confirmed a second successive ‘major’ double with the February 2020 born, Annick Ginger’s Lucia having won the Royal Highland in June (for a third year in a row). Ginger’s Lucia is sired by Wolfstar Gold Digger 15 and is out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger EX 93, a Corskie Callum 11 daughter. She has been shown this year with her April 2025 born bull calf at foot, Backmuir Sirius 25, sired by Backmuir King 19.
For the prolific Backmuir herd, it was another strong team that secured a welter of Scottish Simmental National Show prizes and including: Overall Champion; Female Champion; Senior Female Champion; Reserve Senior Female; and four class wins in all. Placing as Reserve Senior Female Champion was Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg, and who is of course the same way bred being also out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger EX 93, and sired by Wolfstar Gold Digger. Nutmeg was also a class winner at this years Royal Highland and featured in the herd’s winning Group of Three.
Judge for the day was Garrett Behan of the noted Clonagh herd, Ballyfin, Co Laois and who was full of praise for his Champion: “This is a fantastic Simmental cow and I loved every bit of her. She has everything I like in a female having a great head, being very feminine through the neck and shoulders, and carrying herself extremely well when walking out. She has great length to her and has a real presence. From behind she has super plates, and carried her width down the leg and into the hock. She’s terrific and it’s big congratulations to the breeder.”
Of the show generally, Garrett Behan went on to say: “I’d really like to thank the Scottish Simmental Club for the opportunity to judge the National Show. It was a great honour for me and was nice to be on the other side of the fence to so many great breeders and cattle people. A special mention also to the committees of both the Club and Perth Show for their super hospitality.”
Judge Garrett Behan, left, with Reece Simmers, and Jonathan Gunn
In a general comment, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Iain Kerr said: “What a truly incredible cow Annick Ginger’s Lucia is and again, on behalf of all members of the Society it’s a massive congratulations to Reece and Andrew, and all at Backmuir, for their management of her and achievements over the last three years at both the Royal Highland, the Scottish National, and other major shows. The profile she has brought to the Backmuir herd, and the breed, is really remarkable and she’s another female who has written her own significant chapter in the history of the Simmental breed.”
Within a quality show of Simmentals, and marking a fantastic debut as an exhibitor at the Scottish Simmental National Show, the April 2024 heifer Denizes Melody 62nd from the emerging Goldstar herd of Ayrshire’s James Hodge, Dundonald, took the Overall Reserve Supreme, Reserve Female, and Junior Champion titles. Sired by Hiltonstown Lorenzo, 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. Of his Overall Reserve, Garrett Behan said: “My Reserve is a young female with a great future ahead. At just 15/16 months old she oozed style and shape and is a super Simmental heifer”. Speaking afterwards James Hodge said: “We showed last year at Stars of the Future but this is our first summer show season, and first Scottish National so to win what we have today is just amazing. I saw Melody as a calf at foot at the Denizes Production Sale and she just really caught my eye. She’s gone on and matured into the quality type of heifer I had envisaged. With the breeding behind her I very much hope she will be a foundation female for the herd to build around. The aim from here is to get her in-calf in the backend and with a view to showing her again through next summer.”
Junior Female, Reserve Female & Reserve Overall Champion Denizes Melody 62nd
Winning the Male Championship, and Junior Male Championship, was the February 2024 born calf Grangewood Robert The Bruce from Mr & Mrs Andrew & Yvonne Leedham, Boghead Farm, Tarbolton, Ayrshire. This bull is by the herd’s noted stock bull Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17 (ET) EX94, and is out of the homebred Grangewood Gretal’s Lyla VG87, a Grangewood Glenlivet daughter. At the 2024 Borderway Agri Expo Simmental Youngstock Show at Carlisle, Grangewood Robert The Bruce stood as Reserve Junior Champion. Described by the judge as a ‘very long, muscular bull, with great power and shape for his age, who carried himself very well in the ring’, he will now take aim at the October 2025 Stirling Simmental Bull Sale. Ranfurly Impeccable was also the sire of the herd’s Grangewood Platinum who sold for 20,000gns at Carlisle in May. The Grangewood herd also secured a further red ticket for their bull Grangewood Romeo. June 2024 born, Romeo, who carries terrific figures for calving ease, and is being provisionally aimed at Stirling in February 2026 , is one of the first sons by the Grangewood herd’s stock bull Overhill House Neil who was purchased for 16,000gns, also at Stirling, in May 2023. It was a top day, at what was a second Scottish Simmental National Show, for the well-known 40 breeding female Grangewood herd who relocated from North Yorkshire to Ayrshire, in March of this year.
Male Champion and Junior Male Champion, Grangewood Robert the Bruce
Standing second in his class to the Male Champion and following him through to take the Reserve Male Championship, and Reserve Junior Male Championship, was Coltfield Result from regular exhibitor JC MacIver, Wester Coltfield Farm, Forres, Moray. March 2024 born, this calf is by the AI sire Islavale Guy 15, who has sired bulls up to 17,000gns, and is out of Coltfield Kit Kat VG 85, sired by Rockytop Invader 17 EX 92. This was the first cow that Cameron had AI’d by himself and hence the name ‘Result’! Rockytop Invader 17 EX 92 himself has produced good bulls for the herd, and has consistently produced quality females that are now at the heart of the 40 breeding female Coltfield herd. A bull with ‘width, great over his top and loin, with good depth of body, plates, good on his tail head, and with a top eye muscle score’, Coltfield Result is another young bull who will be heading to the Stirling Simmental Sale in October.
Reserve Junior Male & Reserve Male Champion Coltfield Result
Another Ayrshire herd to feature on the day was the Bowhill herd of Rachael Reid, D&R Holdings, Low Bowhill Farm, Newmiln and who took the Reserve Junior Female Championship with Bowhill Ruth. This yearling heifer, born 8th August 2024, is got by the 30,000gns Denizes Lancelot, and is out of Overhill House Mary, a heifer bought for £4000 in a charity auction with all proceeds going to charities helping children from the conflict in Ukraine. Of his Reserve Junior Female, Garret Behan said: “I have to give an honorary mention to this young heifer. Still only a baby at 12 months but what a female for her age. She has a lovely head, great length and tremendous plates, and for sure will make a super breeding female”.
Reserve Junior Female Champion, Bowhill Ruth
Other herds doing the business on the day included the Pitmudie herd of Heather Duff, Menmuir, By Brechin, who secured two first prizes in the heifer classes with Pitmudie Pandora (P), a Slievenagh International 17 (PP) daughter, and also with Pitmudie Primrose, a Hiltonstown Irish 17 (ET) daughter who was Junior Female Champion at last year’s Scottish Simmental National Show. There was also a ‘double first’ for the Caithness herd of Jenson Sinclair Gunn, Mavsey, Lybster, Caithness. First up was Caithness Samson, a Kilbride Farm Majestic 21 (P), son who took first in the class for Calf born in the year of the show. This was then followed up by a win in the Pairs for the herd’s Caithness Nymph & Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso.
The Scottish Simmental National Show brings to a close the Simmental Nationals held in the year. Congratulations to all of the exhibitors who have taken part and ensured that the Simmental breed has been so well promoted around the UK!
Overall Championship Presentations: Annick Ginger’s Lucia,
& Denizes Melody 62nd
Male Championship Grangewood Robert the Bruce,
& Coltfield Result
Junior Female Championship Denizes Melody 62nd, &
Bowhill Ruth
Scottish Simmental National Show Results 2025
Judge: Garrett Behan, Ballyfin, Co Laois.
Class 17 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2024
1st Andrew Leedham Grangewood Robert the Bruce 24
2nd Cameron Maciver Coltfield Result 24
3rd Heather Duff Pitmudie Rolex 24
Class 18 Bull born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2024
1st Andrew Leedham Grangewood Romeo 24
Class 18 Bull born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2024 Grangewood Romeo
2nd Heather Duff Pitmudie Rambo 24
3rd Heather Duff Pitmudie Rafferty 24
4th Heather Duff Pitmudie Rockstar 24
5th J & E Dyet Merkland Regent 24
6th J & E Dyet Merkland Rocco 24
Class 20 Senior cow born before 31st July 2021
1st Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Class 21 Junior Cow on or born between 1st August 2021 and 31st July 2022
1st Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
Reserve Senior Female Champion Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
2nd Jonathan Gunn Caithness Nymph
3rd Jonathan Gunn Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso
Class 22 Heifer born on or between 1st August 2022 and 31st March 2023.
1st Heather Duff Pitmudie Pandora (P)
Class 22 Heifer born on or between 1st August 2022 and 31st March 2023. Pitmudie Pandora
Class 23 Heifer born between 1st April and 31st December 2023.
1st Heather Duff Pitmudie Primrose
Class 23 Heifer born between 1st April and 31st December 2023. Pitmudie Primrose
2nd Rachael Reid Bowhill Petal
3rd Cameron Maciver Coltfield Perfect
Class 24 Heifer born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2024
1st Reece Simmers Backmuir Lulu’s Rosalu
Class 24 Heifer born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2024 Backmuir Lulu’s Rosalu
2nd Reece Simmers Backmuir Lucia’s Rumba
3rd J & C Hodge Goldstar Ruby
Class 25 Heifer born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2024
1st J & C Hodge Denizes Melody 62nd
2nd Heather Duff Pitmudie Roselyn
3rd Heather Duff Pitmudie Rachel
Class 26 Heifer born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2024
1st Rachael Reid Bowhill Ruth
2nd M & J Macaskill Woodhall Raz
3rd M & J Macaskill Woodhall Ruby
4th M & J Macaskill Woodhall Rhianna
Class 27 Calf born in the year of the show
1st Jonathan Gunn Caithness Samson
Class 27 Calf born in the year of the show Caithness Samson
2nd Reece Simmers Backmuir Sirius
3rd Jonathan Gunn Overhill House Simmaron
4th Reece Simmers Backmuir Stuart
Class 28 Pairs
1st Jonathan Gunn Caithness Nymph & Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso
Pairs winners Caithness Nymph & Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso
2nd Reece Simmers Backmuir Lulu’s Rosalu and Backmuir Lucia’s Rumba
3rd M & J Macaskill Woodhall Ruby & Woodhall Rhianna
4th Heather Duff Pitmudie Primrose & Pitmudie Roselyn.
Junior Male Champion
Andrew Leedham Grangewood Robert the Bruce
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Cameron Maciver Coltfield Result
Junior Female Champion
J & C Hodge Denizes Melody 62nd
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Rachael Reid Bowhill Ruth
Senior Female Champion
Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Reserve Senior Female Champion
Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
Female Champion
Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Reserve Female Champion
J & C Hodge Denizes Melody 62nd
Champion Male
Andrew Leedham Grangewood Robert the Bruce
Reserve Champion Male
Cameron Maciver Coltfield Result
Overall Champion
Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Reserve Overall Champion
J & C Hodge Denizes Melody 62nd
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