by Iain | May 12, 2026 | 2026, 2026 North West News, 2026 News, 2026 Carlisle Sales
Popes heifers at 15,000gns x 2; 14,000 x 2; 13,000ngs
20 Popes heifers average £8610
The much anticipated Popes Princesses Production Sale of 20 pedigree Simmental heifers, from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire, lived up to all expectations with a fantastic trade seeing heifers at 15,000gns, 14,000gns, 13,000gns, and with a mighty average of £8610.
An evening sale held on Friday 8th May at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, the sale ring was packed to the rafters with potential buyers from the length and breadth of the country, eager to bid on the top lots forward.
From a catalogue packed with quality heifers offering a real depth of proven bloodlines, two heifers made 15,000gns. The first of these was Popes Nellys Prudence who was offered for sale entered for both the upcoming Royal Highland and Royal Norfolk Shows. Featuring through the catalogue, this heifer is sired by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, and is out of the Denizes Impressive daughter Popes Nellys Lexi. With breeding, character, and outlook, this heifer was marketed as ‘one of the best to be bred at Popes’. Come sale time and a flurry of bidding, Popes Nellys Prudence was purchased by new Simmental breeders Chris and Nicky White, Frogmore Farm, Moreton in the Marsh, Gloucestershire.
15,000gns Popes Nellys Prudence
The Whites sold their noted herd of pedigree Limousins in 2023 and realised they wanted to keep a very small number of pedigree cattle on the farm. To achieve this, they bred from some of their retained Limousin embryos but also wanted to keep some Simmentals as well. Commenting, Chris White said: “Having seen the Popes Princesses catalogue, we decided that Nellys Prudence was the heifer for us. With her very feminine traits, combined with power, excellent feet and legs she is very much of the quality for a foundation female at Frogmore Simmentals . We are looking forward to showing her soon at the Royal Highland and Royal Norfolk.”
15,000gns Popes Fabulous Sapphire
Prior to the sale the heifers were brought out of their pens and tied up in an open area at Borderway. In what was a fantastic bit of marketing, potential buyers were able to ‘get up close and personal’ and walk amongst the lots forward. Having initially clocked the breeding and figures in the catalogue it was here that Popes Fabulous Sapphire fully caught the eye of Stewart and Fiona Stronach, Berryleys, Grange, Keith, who went on to purchase the heifer for their prolific Islavale herd at the sale joint top price of 15,000gns. This April 2025 born heifer is by the 37,000gns Denizes Nugget, and is out of Clonagh Jubilant Fabulous, an Irish National Champion purchased for €18,000 from Roscommon back in 2019. Speaking afterwards, Stewart Stronach said: “We thought this was an outstanding heifer from within what was a quality line up. She’s young but just full of potential, and we liked the Clonagh breeding in her pedigree with her mother also having been a fantastic heifer. It’s very seldom that we buy females but we’re delighted to have purchased Popes Fabulous Sapphire and we can benchmark her against the contemporary heifers in the Islavale herd.”
At the close of the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager, Iain Kerr said: “What a terrific sale and a huge congratulations is extended to the Wood family. In talking pre-sale they said how in the Popes herd they had prioritised such as milk and calving ease while looking for growth, fleshing ability, and cattle that are easy on the eye. That shone through in these sale heifers which were an absolute credit to the family and to the Simmental breed. These heifers have sold to new and established breeders, and from Kent to the North East of Scotland. Full of quality and a depth of proven bloodlines I have no doubt these heifers will go on to make top breeding Simmental females. It’s a massive well done to Jimmy, Vikki, Harry, and Hannah and great to see such a packed Simmental sale ring at Carlisle!”
The Wood family: Vikki, Jimmy, Hannah, and Harry
14,000gns Popes Nellys Rhea
The majority of the heifers in the sale were by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer who was bought for his width, natural fleshing ability, and character, and with these being traits now being seen in his females. As well as being sire of the joint top price, two further heifers by Clonagh Lucky Explorer made 14,000gns. The first of these was the April 2024 born Popes Nellys Rhea. This heifer is out of Popes Nellys Koko whose breeding goes back to Popes Nellys Dazzler, a full sister to Popes Barclay, and described as one of the most influential cows in the herd. Popes Nellys Rhea was one of two purchases made on the night by the establishing Tippetcraig herd of The Burns Family, High Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. Commenting, Lyndsey Stark said: “Popes Nellys Rhea is a beautiful heifer with size and style, she has a great presence, is full of breeding, and has excellent performance figures. Seeing her in the flesh at Carlisle she met all of the expectations we had from her picture in the catalogue, and her back pedigree, and we loved her the moment we saw her.” Tippetcraig had got the sale underway when they also purchased the first lot Popes Tarkas Rhona, another Explorer daughter, for 5000gns. “The Wood family are distinguished breeders and the Popes herd is one of the foremost in the Simmental breed. We are delighted to buy these two heifers as we continue to expand the Tippetcraig Simmental herd.”
14,000gns Popes Ruflles
Also at 14,000gns was Popes Ruffles, another by Clonagh Lucky Explorer and out of Springfield Magic who was purchased at Stirling in October 2022, and whose pedigree goes back to Woodhall Extra. This heifer was sold jointly to the Newbiemains herd of Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire, and the Tundergarth herd of Alastair Dodd, Tundergarth Mains, Lockerbie. Of Popes Ruffles, Jim Goldie said: “This is a smart, long, clean heifer, with a depth of, and plenty of progression in her. She’s a very modern type, carries a lot of style, and has all the potential to be a good bull breeder.” Later in the sale the Tundergarth herd also purchased Popes Sparkly Eyes, a Denizes Nugget daughter, for 8000gns.
13,000gns Popes Nellys Rumour
The fifth heifer over five figures was Popes Nellys Rumour who made 13,000gns when selling to the south of England and the O’So’Good pedigree herd of Robert & Nicola Tremayne, Paley Farm, Cranbrook, Kent. Again by Clonagh Lucky Explorer this heifer is out of Popes Nellys Ilia from the herd’s famous Nelly family. selling at 13,000gns to Mr & Mrs R Tremayne of Hill View herd, Paley farm, Cranbrook, Kent. Commenting, Robert Tremayne said: “This is a July 2024 born heifer who we think will go on to make a tremendous cow. She has tremendous breeding behind her, has scale, is very correct, and has a lot left in her. We are looking to bring new lines to the herd and are delighted to have been able to buy a quality heifer like Popes Nellys Rumour.”
9000gns Popes Princess Ruby
At 9000gns the June 2024 born Popes Princess Ruby. With tremendous breeding behind her, this heifer, by Explorer, is the first calf out of Popes Princess Lumi, the Simmental English National Show, Great Yorkshire Show, and Royal Lancashire Show Interbreed Champion in 2022. Princess Lumi is a daughter of the multi title winning Popes Princess Cleo. With a Maternal (Milk) figure of +12, putting her in the breed’s top 5% for this trait, this heifer was purchased by RE & SHW Steggles for their Wacton pedigree herd at Honingham, Norfolk.
8500gns Popes Nellys Sage
The youngest animal in the catalogue at nine-months-old, Popes Nellys Sage, made 8500gns when selling locally to the Strudda Bank pedigree herd of KG Holliday, Calderbridge, Seascale, Cumbria. Sired once more by Clonagh Lucky Explorer, this heifer out of Popes Nellys Lottie, goes back to Tintoside Nellys Wonder, a foundation cow in the Popes herd.
AVERAGE
20 heifers £8610
by Iain | May 11, 2026 | 2026, 2026 North West News, 2026 News, 2026 Carlisle Sales, Uncategorised
Six bulls make 10,000gns and more
89% clearance rate
24 out of 27 bulls sell to average £7585
Islavale Rudolph 24 from Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys, Grange, Keith made 16,000gns to lead a strong sale of Simmental bulls at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Saturday 9th May.December 2024 born, Rudolph is by the prolific Coose Lincoln EX 95, and is out of the Corskie Highlander daughter Islavale Lexi. With good calving and maternal (milk) figures, and a pedigree packed with EX classified animals, this bull was snapped up by noted commercial producer Jim Walker, Drumbuie, Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire.
Speaking after the sale Mr Walker said: “Islavale Rudolph was purchased to add to an already strong lineup of bulls within our commercial herd. We felt his pedigree and figures matched in well with what we’re looking for to provide us with both milky replacement females and males that will grow out and produce strings of store bullocks to sell. We’re really looking forward to see what this bull will do for us.”
Islavale Rudolph 16,000gns
For the Stronachs the top price was secured in what was the first time they have sold bulls at Carlisle. This sale followed hot on the heels of Stirling earlier in the week, and where they sold four bulls to average £13,650, and with the top priced bull there at 15,000gns also being a Coose Lincoln EX 95 son.
The Carlisle Sale saw six bulls sell at 10,000gns and more, and with 24 out of the 27 bulls selling to average a terrific £7585, with an 89% clearance. The 24 bulls also represented the most Simmental bulls sold to date at this growing breed fixture, and followed on from the previous evening where 20 Simmental heifers averaged 8600gns at the Popes Princesses Production Sale held for Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire.
Speaking after the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager Iain Kerr said: “It’s been two very good days for the Simmental breed at Carlisle with a tremendous demand for both pedigree bulls and females. It was a very level show of Simmental bulls and to sell 24, to buyers across geographies in England Scotland, is real growth at this fixture and very encouraging for the breeders. Again, it’s the balance the breed brings in its maternal qualities of milk, calving ease, and temperament, allied to its terminal abilities in age at slaughter, and daily carcase gain, that’s driving this ongoing demand from commercial breeders.”
Always bringing good bulls to Simmental Sales, the Leedham family, Boghead Farm, Tarbolton, Ayrshire, again enjoyed a terrific trade when selling two bulls for 12,000gns. Both bulls were sired by the 16,000gns Overhill House Neil EX 92, whose first son at sale at Stirling in February this year sold for the joint top price of 30,000gns.
The first bull at the 12,000gns mark was the September 2024 born Grangewood Ringo. By Overhill House Neil, Ringo is out of Grangewood Mabel, a Ranfurly Impeccable daughter. In the pre-sale show, this bull had placed first in his class and went on to be the Overall Reserve Champion in front of the judge Emma McAlister who runs the Islabute herd at Coxhill Farm, Falkirk. Commenting on her Reserve Champion Emma said: “My Reserve Champion was a very good big Simmental bull with plenty of length, was clean through the middle, and was very correct. He walked well, had a lot of character and style, with a very good breed head.
Grangewood Ringo 12,000gns
Buying this bull was Richard Elliott who runs 240 three quarter bred Simmental suckler cows at High Moor Farm, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire. Commenting on his purchase Mr Elliott said: “This is a very well bred bull who is just full of potential and will grow on. He’s a very correct bull and with a super Simmental head. He’ll be introduced to the herd and with the aim of breeding first quality heifers.”
Judge Emma McAlister
The second Grangewood bull at 12,000gns from the Leedhams was Grangewood Sylvester. Again by Overhill House Neil 22 EX 92, and this time out of Grangewood Polly’s Kit Kat VG 87, this bull sold to the North East of England and AJ&R Ord from Newton Greens, Newton on the Moon, Morpeth , Northumberland.
Grangewood Sylvester 12,000gns
For the Leedhams, the first six sons at sale sired by Overhill House Neil 22 EX 92, have now averaged a terrific 16,000gns.
Newbiemains Rockafella 11,000gns
Well-known local breeders Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire, made 11,000gns when selling Newbiemains Rockafella. Sired by Auchorachan Kennedy 19 EX 92, this November 2024 born bull is out of the Woodhall fantastic daughter, Newbiemains Isa EX 90. A dark red bull with good figures and plenty of EX classified animals in his pedigree, Newbiemains Rockafella was bought by JC Innes & Sons from Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Two bulls made 10,000gns. Leading the way, and the first bull in the ring, was the day’s Overall Supreme Champion in the shape of Habton Reacher 24 from North Yorkshire breeder AJ Bulmer, Coultas Farm, Malton. A well bred bull Habton Reacher 24 is sired by Islavale Lockdown and is out of Corskie Leah, an Aultmore Franco 14 EX 93 daughter. Of her Champion, the judge Emma McAlister said: “With a real power to him this was a well put together bull, level right through, and with a good end. He walked really well and had plenty of style.” Again going commercially, the day’s Champion was bought by D Whiteford & Co, Borewell Farm, Scremerston, Berwick on Tweed.
Habton Reacher 10,000gns
For the fast establishing Habton herd this was a memorable sale debut at Carlisle picking up the Championship, and their top sale price to date. Speaking afterwards Alex Bulmer said: “Reacher is the typical type of Simmental bull we’re aiming to breed. He’s well balanced, good on his plates, walks out well, and has plenty of breed character with a good head. We’re really delighted to win the Championship within what was a very good show of Simmental bulls, and to then go on and attain a five figure price.” The Habton herd’s first bull at a Society Sale was in Stirling and where they made 9000gns.
Coolcran Spartan 10,000gns
Making the successful trip over from Northern Ireland was Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, Co Fermanagh, who made 10,000gns when selling Coolcran Spartan. This January 2025 born bull is by the noted AI sire Denizes Hamish, and is out of Ashland Topaz Mair who herself had won the Reserve Junior Interbreed at the Royal Ulster Balmoral Show in 2022, as well as Reserve Supreme Champion at the NI Simmental National show in the same year. Coolcran Spartan 25 went to the Borders when being bought by S Ramsey from Falsidehill Farm, Kelso, Roxburghshire.
The demand for the Simmental bulls forward continued through the catalogue and with the youngest bull offered, Popes Sentry 25 from the Wood family, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire making 9000gns. Another by the noted Denizes Hamish, and out of the Clonagh Latin Lover sired Popes Diamonds Nella, this bull combining breeding along with figures across the traits, was bought by Christina Johnson, Fowberry Farm Bamburgh Ltd, Northumberland. The previous lot and the similarly bred Popes Someboy, another Hamish son, made 8000gns when selling to Atkin Brothers who run an extensive Simmental x Red Angus suckler herd at The Grange, Barrow on Trent, Derbyshire.
Thorncliff Rocket 8000gns
Another first time seller at Carlisle was Wayne Mosley, Thorncliff, Chelmorton, Derbyshire, and who sold the March 2024 born Thorncliff Rocket for 8000gns. This bull was yet another Denizes Hamish son, and out of Thorncliff Moya. With strong calving ease figures, Thorncliff Rocket 24 was bought by JB&EJ Peile Ltd, Greystoke Castle Farm, Penrith, Cumbria.
Up from Cornwall, and selling at 7000gns was Killiworgie Razzamatazz from Steve & Gill Gummow, Higher Killiworgie Farm, Newquay. The Senior Champion at the 2025 Agrifest South West, this September 2024 born bull is by the 19,000gns Grangewood Baron, and is out of Killiworgie Ivys Maria VG 88, an Islavale Jericho 18 EX 93 daughter. This bull, with a terrific top 1% Maternal (Milk) figure of +14, was another bought by JC Innes & So, Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
by Nicky Moreton | May 5, 2026 | 2026 Stirling Sales, 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 News
28 Simmental bulls average £9758, up by £963 on the year, for three more sold
£9758 is a new record Simmental average for the May Stirling Sale
Sixth consecutive year a new record Simmental average at this fixture
Simmentals lead the all-breeds averages
Eight Simmental bulls make 10,000gns and more
Clearance rate of 85%
‘May the 4th be with you’ was the theme of the day as Simmental bulls sold to a new record average at the May Stirling Simmental Sale at United Auctions, on Monday 4th May.
Maisley Rip 24 15,000gns
Leading the way, and tearing it up, was Maisley Rip from Michael Stronach, Maisley, Keith. This November born bull is by the noted Coose Lincoln EX 95, who has had sons up to 20,000gns, and is out of Maisley Fizz’s Martini VG 85. With terrific figures across the board, including a breed top 1% for Maternal (Milk), this bull went commercially when bought by Iain Johnston, Kirkton Farm, Falkirk.
Very much a front and centre part of the Islavale team, Michael Stronach established his own Maisley prefix, and with father Stewart offering him the pick of the heifers as a 21st birthday present. The wise choice saw him go for Islavale Fizz and with the Stirling sale topper Maisley Rip coming directly from that line! The 15,000gns is a top sale price to date for the Maisley prefix and with another bull aimed at the October Stirling Sale.
A good, working show of Simmental bulls averaged £9758, a new Simmental record average for this fixture. Eight bulls made 10,000gns and more, and with the 28 out of 33 sold realising a terrific clearance rate of 85%. Remarkably this is the sixth consecutive year in a row that a new record Simmental average has been set at this May fixture. The Simmentals also led the all-breeds averages for the second consecutive round of Stirling Sales, following on from February this year. Commercial producers once again underpinned the demand and when purchasing seven out of the eight five figure bulls.
Commenting after the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager Iain Kerr said: “There’s a sustained demand for Simmental breeding from commercial producers at present, and it’s been great to see that continued at this May Sale and following on from February here at Stirling. On the day the good bulls in themselves with proven breeding behind them, combined with figures for milk and calving, were readily sold. This efficiency of the Simmental breed in what it offers maternally, and with the increased recognition of its terminal abilities in age at slaughter and daily carcase gain, is making a practical mark commercially. I’m really pleased for the breeders to see them sell more bulls on the year and to an increased average.”
Islavale Rafferty 24 14,000gns
Including the top price, a fine team of four bulls from the Stronach family all made over figure figures and averaged a terrific £13,650. Selling at 14,000gns was the December 2024 born Islavale Rafferty who had placed Reserve Supreme Overall and Junior Champion in the pre-sale show of bulls judged by Richard Rodgers of the noted Hiltonstown herd, Portglenone, Co Antrim. The second youngest bull in the catalogue, Islavale Rafferty is by Bighill Parker who has already had sons sell up to 15,000gns at Stirling in February this year.
Judge Richard Rodgers in action at Stirling
With a show record to boot, Rafferty was Senior Overall Champion at the Stars of the Future Calf Show in November 2025. Again with breeding and figures, Islavale Rafferty 24 is in the breed’s top 15% for Maternal (Milk), and also Eye Muscle Score.
This bull went to the well-known Keeldrum pedigree herd of David Lowry, Newsteadings Farm, Lanark. Commenting on his purchase Mr Lowry said: “I first saw this bull as a calf at the Stars of the Future Show in November and really liked him, and he’s grown on well since then. He’s a very breedy looking bull with a beautiful Simmental head. He’s got a super top, has plenty of width, and is very good on his feet and legs. Rafferty will now be the junior herd sire and will be used on Denizes Impeccable daughters.”
Islavale Raphael 24 12,500gns
Selling at 12,500gns was the first prize winner in the third class of the day, Islavale Raphael. This ‘eye catching’ November 2024 born bull is another by Coose Lincoln EX 95, and is out of the Curaheen Giant daughter Islavale Libby VG 89. Again with breeding and good figures, Raphael has a well above breed average Maternal (Milk) figure, and is in the top 10% for Eye Muscle Area. Buying this bull was Robert Bell & Partners, Craigo, Milnathort, Kinross.
Auchorachan Robbie 24 12,000gns
Selling at 12,000gns was the first prize winner and Reserve Senior Champion in the shape of Auchorachan Robbie 24 from D&R Durno & Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. A stylish, dark red bull, Robbie is sired by the 11,000gns Hemingford Nelson EX93, who is half-brother to the record breaking 56,000gns Hemingford Prince Charming, and is out of Auchorachan Madie GP 84, a Greencap Kane 19 EX 91 daughter. This bull went to Huntly when selling to J Hunter & Co, Braehead, Bainshole. A few lots later and the Duron’s confirmed a good day when selling another Nelson son, Auchorachan Redford for 8000gns to noted commercial producers Hamilton Organic Ltd, Aikengall, Dunbar.
Well House Rhythm is a dancer 24 10,500gns
Four bulls made 10,500gns. The first of these was early in the catalogue and in the form of the third prize winner Well House Rhythm Is A Dancer from M/S A&B Munro, Wellhouse Farm, Beauly. This upstanding bull is by Kilbride Farm Islander 17, and is out of Well House Jasmine 29th, a Blackford Island Rock daughter. Again with a well above average Maternal (Milk) figure, this bull was knocked down to J&J Marshall, Daleigh, Morayshire.
Woodhall Rancher 24 10,500gns
Also at this 10,500gns figure was the August 2024 born Woodhall Rancher 24 from F&J MacAskill, Woodhall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar. This bull is by the privately purchased Mixbury Hall Magnus 21, a son of the noted Tilbrook Frank, and is out of Woodhall Ingrid, an Islavale Frontier 14 daughter. Another Simmental bull with good calving and maternal (milk) figures, Woodhall Rancher 24 sold to the Borders and WW Dunlop & Son, Commonside, Hawick.
Westridge Remington 24 10,500gns
Enjoying a solid day’s trading was Ward Farms (Scotland), West Mains Farm, Carnwath, with their top priced bull being 10,500gns for the third prize bull Westridge Remington 24. October 2024 born, this bull is sired by Coltfield Maestro 21, and is out of Westridge Hawk Bess. With a very good Maternal (Milk) figure, Remington was bought by W&W Dawson & Sons, Whinbrae, Huntly. Another Coltfield Maestro son, Westridge Rio 24, a few lots earlier in the sale sold for 8200gns to T Howden & Sons, Balerno, Midlothian.
Islavale Rafiki 24 10,500gns
The final bull at the 10,500gns figure was another from the Stronach family in the shape of the fully homebred Islavale Rafiki. October 2024 born, Rafiki is by Islavale Echo 2 13 EX 92, and is out of Islavale Natalie 2, a Corskie Highlander daughter. Full of breeding and figures Islavale Rafiki is in the breed’s top 5% for Maternal (Milk), and top 10% for Calving Ease Direct, and Self Replacing Index. Buying this bull was GM Mitchell & Son, Hilton of Carslogie, Cupar, Fife.
Delfur Rolex 24 9500gns
Selling at 9500gns was the Reserve Junior Champion, Delfur Rolex 24 from Delfur Farms, Dundurcas Farm House, Rothes, Aberlour. With good Maternal (Milk) figures and strong Terminal and Self Replacing Indexes, Rolex is by the 28,000gns Islavale Magnum, and is out of Delfur Evelyn L14 an Innerwick Ivor 17 daughter. Buying this bull was Farquharson Farms, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire. Another Islavale Magnum son, Delfur Romeo earlier made 7000gns when selling to F Bradley, Tillyminate, Huntly.
Another young bull at the 9500gns mark was Rockytop Rooster from Gary & Angela Christie, Birchfield, Glass, Huntly. Sired by Annick Manhattan 21, and out of Rockytop Tinka’s Geneva, this bull carried top 5% figures for Maternal (Milk), and top 10% Terminal Production, and Self replacing Indexes. When the hammer went down this bull was bought by RM Lamont, Creagmhor, Glenelg, Kyle.
Springfield Reeves 24 9000gns
Early in the catalogue, Gavin Brown, Penicuik, Midlothian, sold his powerful bull Springfield Reeves for 9000gns. In the pre-sale show, this June 2024 bull had stood second in his class to the day’s Overall Supreme Champion. Described as “having fantastic length and shape from a calf, right through to present, and always carrying natural flesh,” Springfield Reeves was also +8 for Maternal (Milk). This bull was sold to the North of England and S Shell & Sons, Brandon, Alnwick, Northumberland.
RMS & ATD Pettit, The Den, Fochabers made 8500gns when selling Spey-Bay Rocky 24 for 8500gns to OF Adam, Highholm Farm, Dunfermline. A second prize bull to the Reserve Senior Champion, Rocky is another by Coose Lincoln EX 95, the sire of the day’s top price, and is out of Woodhall Wynn, a Corrick Kentucky Kid daughter. With breeding and figures, Spey-Bay Rocky is +13 for Maternal (Milk) putting him in the breed’s top 5%.
Islavale Rafferty & Delfur Rolex, Junior Championship
Robgill Rocky and Auchorachan Robbie, Senior Championship
Robgill Rocky & Islavale Rafferty, Overall Championship
by Nicky Moreton | Apr 30, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 News
Gavin and Anna Brown have been breeding pedigree Simmental cattle for 12 years, having started with just two Highland cows a year earlier. Today, their Midlothian farm carries 30 pure Simmental females, eight Simmental-cross females, 14 Highland cattle, 200 commercial sheep and 30 pure Suffolks. Springfield Farm, near Penicuik in Midlothian, extends to 300 acres, comprising 200 acres of grassland and 100 acres of woodland.
The couple, who have five-year-old twins, Logan and Josh, bought the farm in 2010. Back then, there was just one shed and, in Gavin’s words, the fields were ‘rank’. They bought Highlanders first, as they were the easiest and most useful cattle to put on the largely peat-based farm, and then spent the next 10 years improving badly run-down soil. Four years on and the couple decided to invest in pure-bred Simmental cows to breed what they saw as the ideal female for their system.
Gavin Brown (image: Rob Haining)
They were drawn to the breed for its docility, ease of calving and carcase quality – key traits for producing the ultimate breeding cow under a commercial, low input regime. “I had always liked the look of the Simmental, and they were known to be a calm, easy-handled breed,” explains Gavin. “Because of the nature of the ground, we had to be able to run a pedigree herd on a commercial, low-input system, and it’s reasonable to say the Simmental has lived up to my expectations, and more.” The Browns now 38 females, including 30 purebred Simmentals and eight Simmental-cross cows used as recipients, alongside their 14 Highland cattle.
Some of the Highland cattle grazing near the holiday pods (image: Rob Haining)
While the Simmentals are bred for the pedigree market, the Highlanders primarily supply the farm’s wholesale meat business, with any bulls showing breeding potential sold through Oban and females used as replacements. At present, Gavin says two of the six Highland bulls on the ground ‘will make it’ as breeders, with the remaining four destined for the food chain. The couple also sells home-produced lamb and pork in a pop-up shop on site twice a month and aim to open a small farm shop in the future.
The Browns run 4 holiday pods with a further two getting fitted out to be placed onsite soon (image: Rob Haining)
When it comes to Simmentals, the goal is to breed naturally fleshy cattle with depth, width and style and for Gavin, getting the genetics right from the outset has been crucial. “Our foundation females originated from the Woodhall herd, with the purchase of two heifers that consistently produce cattle that go on and perform,” he says. “All our cows have done their bit, but I’d also have to mention Hazelden Jingles 1, which repeatedly produced top-quality show stock over the years. Now we’re seeing our own breeding making its stamp on the herd, which is both pleasing and encouraging.” Gavin’s eye for stock is driven by a clear template. “When it comes to selecting new stock, I look for a naturally fleshed animal that has character. I like a bit of power and a big character – big but not extreme. It’s just as important that the animal has length and good cover. I like a female to be milky, and a heifer that looks like she’ll be a good cow maker.
Home grown silage is the staple diet of the herd (image: Rob Haining)
Usually, if you find an animal with a big, sweet, breedy head and a big nose end, the rest follows.” Over the years, several stock bulls have stamped their mark on Springfield, but two stand out. Shilo Freedom was privately purchased in Ireland in 2015 for €4000 after Gavin spotted him on Facebook as a show calf. “He was well fleshed with good cover and has bred good stock that have been retained in the herd.”
Young Bulls Springfield Son, Sonny Bill and Sumo (image: Rob Haining)
His out-and-out favourite, however, is Islavale Jabba, which he describes as his greatest investment and the bull that has really taken the herd forward. Bought six years ago at the United Auctions’ May Stirling Bull Sales for 6000gns, Jabba was actually Anna’s choice on the day. “He had length, muscle and balance, and he has produced prolific females and males that have proven successful in both pedigree and commercial herds,” says Gavin. The Browns also have Bighill Plato, which is shared with the Annan-based Newbie Mains herd. However, they are now on the lookout for a replacement for Jabba, which has reached the end of his tenure.
Springfield farm home to the Brown family (image: Rob Haining)
But, in contrast to many bull breeders, Gavin will not be basing his future choice of stock bull on EBVs. “I look at the animal first, and if the figures happen to be good, then it’s a bonus,” he says. “Some people are inherently driven by figures. It’s what they trust, and in my opinion, they couldn’t be further from the truth, as the validity of those figures remains questionable. Why follow something that is 40% accurate?
Springfield Spike one of last year calve crop housed in the shed over winter (image: Rob Haining)
“There’s a happy medium between having two bulls of the same age, and one’s bigger and leaner as opposed to one that’s well fleshed but smaller in scale. One might be a few inches taller and the same weight, but on paper, they’ll look the same! “Study the animal and go for something with shape that puts on natural flesh and weight quickly, so it shows the potential for the meat side later. We want something that will get those weights early on, so it meets both the fat guys’ and the store boys’ criteria, because the potential is there. At the end of the day, your eye’s your merchant.”
The Simmental’s strong fertility and productivity are now making a real impact at Springfield. Calving difficulties are rare, and barren cows are almost unheard of. “We try to calf everything in late April and early May, with the bull left out for two turns to keep calving tight,” Gavin explains. “If they don’t hold or we have problems, then they’re culled. We have been extremely fortunate and have only ever had to cull one and that was for her age.”
Home grown silage is the staple diet of the herd (image: Rob Haining)
Cull cows are often flushed before sale to retain their superior genetics within the herd if they have been recognised as good breeders. “In our last run of bulls in February last year, we calved 26 cows with 16 bulls, of which 15 made it, and the rest were heifers. We only killed one in that batch, with the remainder averaging £8000,” he adds.
Halter training for sale entries Rebel and Reeves (image: Rob Haining)
Cows are housed from October until calving, then turned out to grass. Indoors, they are bedded on peat sourced from a neighbouring site, having previously relied on straw. Gavin calculates that peat is saving the farm around £3600 per month in material costs alone and says it is also more efficient in practice, with the shed now cleaned out every three weeks instead of using four bales of straw per day. “Using peat bedding on the run up to sales keeps cattle cleaner, as the dung falls straight off,” he says. “There are also fewer foot problems as moisture and heat are less of an issue in peat.” An added bonus is its value as an organic fertiliser. “We haven’t bought artificial manure for 10 years,” Gavin points out.
The Springfield herd of Simmental cattle were founded in 2014 (image: Rob Haining)
Stock is fed a straightforward diet of haylage until the weather and grass allow turnout, but never before May. Weaning takes place at 10 months, with all calves reared on Davidsons Ultimate Top Blend. The aim is always to promote beef production rather than pedigrees. “That’s your breadwinner,” he says. “If you happen to get one that’s a pedigree breeder’s animal, that’s brilliant, but that’s not what we’re aiming for.
Springfield Rebel is Lot: 478 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
We try to keep it completely commercial by running a simple system. “This blend can be fed from weaning right through to selling and is used for both beef and sheep rearing.” He is careful not to push his bulls, describing it as ‘a very fine balance getting everything right’, for an uncomplicated system. Typically, two or three females are retained annually as herd replacements, with any surplus heifers sold for breeding. Bulls are sold either through United Auctions’ Stirling Bull Sales in February or May, or privately from home.
Recently built shed to house the cows over winter (image: Rob Haining)
Gavin is now building a reputation and sells four to six bulls privately each year. “We try to muster somewhere between eight and 14 bulls to go to the February and May Stirling sales,” he says. The Springfield herd has already posted some strong sale results, with their best to date being 13,500gns for Springfield Pace sold to a commercial breeder in Orkney.
Springfield Rebel is Lot: 478 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
Across private and market sales last year, bulls averaged £7000. “I rarely sell bulls which reach the teens in value; however, I would rather sell all my stock to average £7000 than sell one at £20,000 and five to the killing house,” says Gavin. Looking ahead to the May sales, the couple will have two senior bulls forward, both sons of Islavale Jabba. Springfield Rebel, a July 2024-born bull, is out of the 15-year-old Woodhall Clinique, one of the herd’s foundation cows, while 22-month-old Springfield Reeves is out of the homebred Springfield Kiana.
Last year’s heifer crop, currently housed with the last years bulls in the neighbouring pen (image: Rob Haining)
Away from the sale ring, Springfield Simmentals have also become a formidable force in the show ring, enjoying notable success at calf shows over the years. Showing has undoubtedly helped raise the herd’s profile. “We like to take cattle to LiveScot at Lanark, which we’ve won twice, Borderway Agri Expo, where we’ve been overall champion once and reserve twice, and Stars of the Future Calf Show, overall champion once and reserve once,” Gavin comments.
Springfield Reeves is Lot: 477 at Stirling (image: Rob Haining)
The couple has also tasted success at the Next Gen V Simmental show and sale at Carlisle, and they regularly support the Royal Highland Show, as well as their local Dalkeith and Peebles Shows. Demand for Springfield Simmentals remains strong, and the Browns are optimistic about the future.
“Some of our stock has already made its way into other pedigree herds, with females bought by notable breeders,” says Gavin. “When we started, we expected it to take 10 years for us to establish ourselves and be recognised. But thanks to Facebook, we hit the mark somewhere between seven and eight years. I can’t think how many thousands of pounds’ worth we’ve put out through Facebook and cattle and sheep sales. “Never underestimate the power of social media,” he concluded.
The Browns run 4 holiday pods with a further two getting fitted out to be placed onsite soon (image: Rob Haining)
FARM FACTS
■ Farm acreage – Springfield, near Penicuik, runs to 300 acres – 200 acres of grazing and 100 of woodland.
■ History – Gavin and Anna bought Springfield in 2010.
■ Farm Labour – Gavin, Anna and one full-time man, Fraser Kay, who also works with Sportsmasters, a company owned by Gavin and Anna, which constructs and maintains artificial and natural sports surfaces.
■ Stock – a herd of 30 pedigree Simmental females, eight Simmental cross females, 14 Highland cattle, 200 commercial sheep and 30 pure Suffolks.
■ Calving – Takes place indoors in late April, early May, with cattle on a peat bed and fed on grass and haylage.
■ Diversification – six rental pods, a meat retailing business, two wind turbines and a 16-horse livery.
ON THE SPOT
■ Best investment – Islavale Jabba
■ Biggest achievement – being shortlisted in the Farming Awards for Farm Diversification of the year.
■ Best advice – Alan Jackson once said, calves are feeders, not for shelter!
■ Top tips – Train animals when they are young if you have the time. Go with your gut and trust in it. No regrets, just bad experiences you learn from!
by Iain | Mar 30, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Northern Ireland News, 2026 News, 2026 Dungannon Sales
Gillview Ranger the first Simmental bull to sell at five figures at NI Society sale
Bulls average £5814.37, a new breed record, and up by £366.80
100% clearance rate
Records were broken at the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Friday 27th March when local breeder Ryan Gilmour sold Gillview Ranger for 10,000gns.The 10,000gns is a new record for this Dungannon Sale, eclipsing last year’s 7200gns figure for Corrick Pressley, and is the first time a Simmental bull has sold at the five figure mark at a Society Sale in Northern Ireland.
10,000gns Gillview Ranger, Overall Supreme Champion
In the pre-sale show, this October 2024 born bull had been placed as Supreme Champion by the judge Robert Forde, of the noted Mullynock herd, Tempo. Commenting on his Champion, Mr Forde said: “My Champion was just a lovely, standout bull in the show. He was long, clean, well muscled, and has all the attributes to produce top end market weaners for commercial farmers, and to make a stock bull for a pedigree herd.”
Simmental judge, Robert Forde, Mullynock herd.
Full of breeding, the stylish Gillview Ranger is by the noted AI sire Coose Lincoln (ET) EX 95, and is out of Raceview Millie Fairytale, a Kilbride Farm Delboy 12 daughter purchased from Peter & Marion O’Connell in October 2021. At Stirling in February this year, Coose Lincoln (ET) EX 95 sons made 20,000gns, 19,000gns, 18,000gns, and 13,000gns.
Gillview Ranger’s figures see him in the Simmental breed’s top 15% for Maternal (Milk), and top 5% for Eye Muscle Area. The combination of pedigree, performance, and the bull in himself, caught the eye of commercial suckler man Derek Reaney, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, who paid the day’s top price. Speaking afterwards Mr Reaney said: “I really liked this bull’s picture on Facebook, and then in the flesh when I saw him at the pre-sale show. He’s a very modern type of bull, has a great top line, and plenty of muscle. I run 75 to 80 suckler cows, both Limousin X and Saler X, and my aim is to use Gillview Ranger to breed quality female replacements.”
The sale has come at a very timely moment with Ryan soon to be married to his fiancée Shannon. Commenting, Ryan said: Gillview Ranger has been an outstanding calf from birth and quickly became a firm favourite of mine, and especially of Shannon. In the lead-up to the sale, we were quietly confident as he was looking really well and we’re over the moon that he’s made this record price. It certainly had a feel that fate was on our side, as we were just 10 days away from our wedding at the time of the sale in Dungannon, and Ranger went on to sell for 10,000gns, making “10” a number to remember for us!”
Ryan, who is also the NI Simmental Breeders Club Secretary went on to say: “We are proud to support and promote the Simmental breed here in Northern Ireland, and particularly with Dungannon Mart on our doorstep. We are really delighted to set a new Northern Ireland Simmental sale record, reaching a five-figure price for a bull, and during the NI Simmental Club’s 55th anniversary this year. He’s gone to an excellent home, remaining locally in Tyrone with well-known commercial farmer Derek Reaney, and we would like to wish him every success with Ranger. We also extend our thanks to the mart staff and the Wylie family for their continued support and for hosting Simmental sales in Dungannon over the years.” The sale represents a high price to date for the Gillview herd which presently consists of ten breeding cows. Further success was attained in the show ring last year when Gillview Rocket lifted the Reserve Male Champion at the NI National Show in Clogher.
In a small but quality sale at Dungannon, the bulls sold averaged £5814.37, a new record average and up by £366.80 on last year’s sale, and with a total clearance of the eight bulls forward.
Selling at 7000gns was the upstanding Ashland Silvester from Pat & Frank Kelly, Tempo, Co Fermanagh. January 2025 born this bull is by the AI sire Ashland Brandy, and is out of Raceview Mollyfortuna 887, a Dermotstown Delboy EX 92 daughter. This bull also carried strong performance figures being in the breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease Daughters, and top 15% for Maternal (Milk). Buying this bull was John McGovern, Enniskillen, C Fermanagh.
7000gns Ashland Silvester
At 5600gns was Coolcran Rafiki 24 from Shane & Paul McDonald, Coolcran, Tempo, Co Fermanagh. A feature of the sale bulls offered, Coolcran Rafiki 24 also combined a depth of breeding, strong performance figures, and a prize winning show record. September 2024 born, Rafiki is by Islavale Miami, and is out of Coolcran Heidi’s Khaleesi, a maternal sister to the 26,000gns Coolcran Heidi’s Noreen, and noted as the best cow family in the herd.
With strong performance figures, Coolcran Rafiki 24 is in the breed’s top 10% for Maternal (Milk); is in the top 5% for 600 day weight; top 10% for 200 & 400 day weight; top 5% for Eye Muscle Area; and carried the best Calving Ease Direct figure in the catalogue. With a show record behind him, Coolcran Rafiki 24 was the winner of the DANI Rosebowl for Best Performance Recorded Bull at the NI National Show, Clogher, last year. Coolcran Rafiki 24 was knocked down to Victor MacFarland, Ballygawley, Dungannon.
5600gns Coolcran Rafiki
It was a good day at the sale for Gavin Hayes & Son, Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn, Co Antrim, who kicked off the sale by selling Haystar Revolver for 5200gns John J Cavanagh, Pomeroy, Dungannon.. This April 2024 born bull calf is sired by Lissadell Nailer, and is out of Raceview Lively HW Nicolet, by Clonagh Tiger Gallant, who was purchased from a Raceview reduction sale. In November 2024 this bull was Junior Champion at the NI Simmental Club Calf Show held at Ballymena Livestock Market. At the pre-show sale of bulls at Dungannon, Haystar Revolver was placed Reserve Supreme Champion. Of this bull the judge Robert Forde said: “This was a big, long, square bull. He was excellent on his legs, clean through his brisket, and again should go on to produce excellent, first quality calves.”
5200gns Haystar Revolver, Overall Reserve Champion
On the day the Haystar herd also had the top priced female when they sold the in-calf heifer Haystar Wonder 13 for 5700gns. July 2023 born, Haystar Wonder 13 is by the noted AI sire Corrick Kentucky Kid, and is out of the Cleenagh Flasher daughter Haystar Wonder (ET). Scanned in-calf to Coose Kingston, and due mid May, Haystar Wonder 13 was bought by Ashley Bowden for his Legmurn herd at Stewartstown, Co Tyrone.
AVERAGES:
8 Bulls £5814.37 (+£366.80)
5 Heifers £3927
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart.
by Nicky Moreton | Feb 26, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 Aberdeen Sales, 2026 News
- Auchorachan to 11,800gns; Pitmudie to 11,000gns
- Nine Simmentals average £8,960, up by £1190, and a new centre record average
- 100% clearance of Simmental bulls forward
Islavale Ringo from WS Stronach, Berrleys, Grange, Keith, made 13,000gns to lead the Simmental Sale and top the all-breeds price at the Multi-Breed Aberdeen Spring Show & Sale at Thainstone, today Wednesday 25th February.
13,000gns Islavale Ringo
In the morning pre-sale show, in front of the judge, David Barclay, Tullo of Garvock, Laurencekirk, this March 2024 born bull had won the Overall Simmental Championship.
Islavale Ringo is sired by Coose Lincoln EX 95, and is out of Islavale Viva 5 VG 88. With a depth of pedigree, classified, and with top figures, Ringo is in the breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease Direct; and the top 10% for Maternal (Milk), and Eye Muscle Area. Come sale time this stylish bull quickly moved to five figures before being knocked down to W&V Leith, North Crannoch, Keith for the all-breeds sale top price.
For the prolific Islavale herd, the 13,000gns represented a top price to date for the herd at Aberdeen, and is also the fourth time in five years they have topped the Simmental trade at this fixture. The top price continues a tremendous sale season for the herd that has included a quality team of nine Islavale bulls selling at Stirling to average a mighty £18,200, and with the joint top price at 30,000gns. Included within these bulls was another Coose Lincoln EX 95 son at 19,000gns.
The sale at Aberdeen again saw a strong demand for Simmental bulls with all nine forward selling to average £8960, up by £1190, and setting a new Simmental centre record average for this sale. Three bulls in all made over 10,000gns, and with all of the bulls going to commercial buyers.
11,800gns Auchorachan Reagan
Selling at 11,800gns was the August 2024 born Auchorachan Reagan 24 (TM), from D&R Durno & Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. This ‘very correct, and well-muscled’ Simmental bull is from the first crop of bulls by Hemingford Nelson who is a half-brother to the 56,000gns record price Hemingford Prince Charming. Out of Auchorachan Kay VG 86, a big daughter of Auchorachan AC/DC, Auchorachan Reagan also carried strong figures being in the breed’s top 5% for 400, and 600 day weight, and being +8 for Maternal (Milk). In the pre-sale show this bull had placed as the day’s Simmental Overall Reserve. Purchasing this bull was D&A Bruce, Dorsell, Alford, Aberdeenshire. The 11,800gns was also a highest Simmental price to date for the Auchorachan herd at Aberdeen.
11,000gns Pitmudie Rambo
Selling at 11,000gns was Pitmudie Rambo 24 from Heather Duff, Pitmudie Farm, Menmuir, By Brechin, Angus. April 2024 born, this bull is by Coolcran Maximus, a previous NI National Show Male Champion, and is out of Pitmudie Erica 4th, an Overhill House Eragon daughter. Buying this bull was N&S Innes, Cairnhill, Huntly. Consistently bringing out some quality Simmental bulls, this was the third sale in a row where Pitmudie Simmental bulls have sold into five figures. The 11,000gns was a joint top sale price for the herd, and the highest price to date made at the Aberdeen Sale. Later in the sale the Pitmudie herd also sold Pitmudie Rooney 24 (TM), an Auchorachan King Kong 19 son, out of another Overhill House Eragon daughter, Pitmudie Lavender, for 7000gns to WLR Keir, Braemorlich, Glenkindie, Alford.
Setting the Simmental Sale off on the front foot was the first bull in the ring, Tillyeve Rolex from Messrs C&M Bruce, Tillyeve, Udny, Ellon. This March 2024 bull is by Corrick Logic and is out of Tillyeve Lexy. Carrying strong performance figures, this bull is in the breed’s top 5% for 200, 400, and 600 day weight; and in the breed’s top 15% for Maternal (Milk). Heading off to Orkney, Tillyeve Rolex was bought by Messrs J&M Smith, Lower Cornquoy, Holm, Orkney.
Other Simmental Prices:
7000gns Glenlossie Roger to M Thomson, Ospisdale, Dornoch, Sutherland
7000gns Drumsleed Rory to Alexander Farms, Clunycrichton, Banchory
7000gns Drumsleed Randall to J Watson, Overton, Pitsligo, Fraserburgh
5800gns Delfur Rambo to Sootywells Farm, Fordoun, Laurencekirk
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