by Iain | Sep 23, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 News, 2026 Other Sales
14 Simmental bulls average £7857
4 Simmental bulls at £10,000 and over
ToP priced bull goes to Orkney
The annual on-farm ‘Working Genes’ sale held at the McGowan family’s Incheoch Farms in the Angus Glens, on Tuesday 8th September, saw another strong demand for grass fed, performance recorded bulls.
Incheoch Shane 25 10,750gns
On the day the trade for Simmental bulls led the way, with six selling at £9500 and more, and with four of those at the five figure mark and higher. Fourteen Simmental bulls (up three on the year), sold to average £7857.Topping the sale was the £10,750 Incheoch Shane. May 2025 born this bull is by the heterozygous polled Clearwater Nitrous (P), and is out of Incheoch Kalypso K7 (P), an Auroch Deuter daughter who is also the dam of the £10,000 Incheoch Niko (PP). With terrific figures for calving ease, growth and milk, Incheoch Shane headed to Orkney when being purchased by Michael Scott, South Ronaldsay, Orkney.
Incheoch Shogun 25 P 10,500gns
At £10,500 was Incheoch Shogun 25 (P). Sired by the homozygous polled bull Coose Negotiator (PP), this March 2025 born bull is out of Incheoch Meise M8, a Kyleston Iceman daughter. Buying Shogun 25 (P), ‘a bull with a smart outlook, great nature, and with an easy-fleshing appearance’, was John Ritchie, Montalt, Dunning.
Incheoch Seve 25 (PP) 10,000gns
Incheoch Solar Power 25 (PP) 10,000gns
Two bulls made £10,000. The first at this mark was the ‘rugged, sturdy homo-polled bull with a nice set of maternal EBVs’, Incheoch Seve 25 (PP), who was purchased by a repeat buyer in the shape of James Hamilton, Aikengall, East Lothian. The May 2025 born Seve 25 (PP), is another by Clearwater Nitrous (P), and is out of Incheoch Lady M6T (P) (ET), a Sunny Valley Canon 86E daughter. The second bull at the £10,000 mark was the entirely home bred, March 2025 born, Incheoch Solar Power (PP). ‘Homo-polled, calving-ease and thick, with lots of weight potential’, Solar Power (PP) is by Incheoch Nickel 22 (P), and out of another Kyleston Iceman 17 (P) daughter, Incheoch Calypso. Catalogued as ‘always looking like he had that ‘flesh from forage’ look about him’, Incheoch Solar Power (PP) was bought by Luing breeder Robert Whiteford, Burnfoot, Sanquhar.
Incheoch Starbuck 25 P 9750gns
Matthew Jordon, Alnwick, Northumberland bought the heterozygous polled Incheoch Satrbuck (P) for £9750. Featuring the highest growth rates in the catalogue, and good calving ease figures, this April 2025 born Clearwater Nitrous (P) son, is the eleventh calf out of Dirnanean Girlie E15, an Arkmill Franklyn daughter.
Incheoch Seattle 25 PP 9500gns
Making £9500 was the homozygous polled Incheoch Seattle 25 (PP). Entirely homebred this April 2025 born bull is by Incheoch Patriot 23 (PP), and is out of Incheoch Flora N1 (P) (ET). This bull went to the South West of Scotland when being purchased by Robert Ramsay, Stranraer.
Other leading Simmental prices saw further bulls sell at £8750 x2; and £7500.
The Yourbid bidding platform meant that although most bidders were present on the day, 45% placed bids from home. Beyond the sale Neil McGowan commented: “It’s great to see people use a blend of data and stockmanship to select the right genetics for their own system.”
by Iain | Aug 12, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 National Shows, 2026 News
Lagavaich Rosie wins Simmental Overall Supreme, Female Champion, & Reserve Overall Interbreed
Delfur Nifty S1 takes Reserve Supreme Overall, Reserve Female, & Junior Female
Coltfield Sambo wins Male Championship
Islavale Serbia is Reserve Male Champion
Delfur Nifty Reserve Senior Female
Quarryhill Sadie, Reserve Junior Female
Lagavaich Rosie & Coltfield Sambo win Interbreed Pairs
The 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show held within the Black Isle Show on Thursday 6th August saw the last of the summer Simmental show ‘majors’ and another quality breed entry.
It was a day to remember for father and son team Billy and Gary Wright, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch who, with their October 2024 born heifer Lagavaich Rosie, scooped the Overall Simmental Supreme, Female, and Senior Female Championships, before going on to win the Reserve Individual Interbreed and also win the Interbreed Pairs. For good measure on the day, the Lagavaich team also won the Overall Charolais Supreme Championship. Top work team Lagavaich!
Lagavaich Rosie, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show Overall Supreme Champion, Female Champion, and Reserve Overall Interbreed
The Simmental judge on the day was Tom Henderson who runs his own Desswood herd, and manages the Dargill herd, with both based at Crieff, Perthshire.
October 2024 born, Lagavaich Rosie initially came through her ‘heavy hitting’ class of heifers born between 1st July and 31st December 2024, before going on to win the Senior Females in another profiled ‘shoot out’, and then finally getting the Overall Supreme Championship ‘tap out’ from the judge who described her as a ‘super Simmental heifer and just a standout on the day’. Commenting on Lagavaich Rosie and her Championship win, an ‘over the moon’ Gary Wright said: It’s just a massive honour for my father Billy, and myself, to win the Overall Supreme at the Scottish Simmental National Show. We’ve thought a lot of Rosie from a young age, but we really didn’t expect this, and knowing the strength of competition that’s always at these Simmental shows. It was a brilliant feeling on the day to go all the way through the class, the females, and then the Championship. Just an unforgettable day for all the family.”
2026 Scottish Simmental National Show judge, Tom Henderson.
Of Rosie, and the Lagavaich herd generally, Gary went on to say: “Lagavaich Rosie in our eyes is a very well balanced and correct heifer, with a great top line and plates. She has lovely style and that makes her very showy and eye catching in the ring. She’s out of a strong big red and white cow we bought from the Leslie’s at Redhill when they were dispersing their cows, and she’s clicked well with Saltire Impressive. We were fortunate enough to buy several Redhill females to start our Simmental herd. At the moment we have nine pedigree Simmental cows running alongside the pedigree Charolais and commercials.”
Come interbreed time, and in front of Richard Mowbray, Northern Ireland, Lagavaich Rosie took the Overall Interbreed Reserve, and teamed up with Coltfield Sambo, the Simmental Male Champion, to win the Interbreed Pairs.
Delfur Nifty S1, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show Reserve Supreme Overall, Reserve Female, and Junior Female
A bit of a theme this summer has been Simmental females doing so well at the ‘majors’ and the Scottish National continued this. Placing Overall Reserve Supreme, Reserve Female, and Junior Female Champion was the young ‘very stylish’ heifer Delfur Nifty S1 from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. November 2025 born, Delfur Nifty S1 is by the herd’s 28,000gns stock bull, Islavale Magnum 21, and is out of the multi-title winning Delfur Nifty who herself featured in the day’s prizes and combined with Nifty S1 on the day to win the trophy for the best cow and calf.
Also commenting, Garry Patterson, the Delfur Herd Manager, said: “We are all really delighted with the success that Delfur Nifty S1 has had today. Just in the context of her being a heifer’s calf, and with her being by our stock bull Islavale Magnum, we’re excited about the promise and breeding potential she’ll bring to the herd going forward. From here we’ll have a look at aiming Delfur Nifty S1 at some of the backend calf shows.”
Delfur Nifty, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show Senior Female
It’s been a strong show year for Nifty S1’s mum, Delfur Nifty, and she was at it again at the Black Isle. Coming through another high-powered class, this time for cows born before 31st December 2022, Delfur Nifty then went on to win the Reserve Senior Female Championship behind the day’s Overall Champion. With an extended track record of Championship and Interbreed wins at summer and winter shows, Delfur Nifty kicked off this year by winning the Female Championship and Overall Reserve Supreme at the Royal Highland before featuring in the winning Interbreed Team of Four, and being Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs. In recent weeks Delfur Nifty has wracked up a host of Simmental breed, Interbreed, and Champion of Champion titles across shows including Echt, Newdeer, Banchory, and Turriff. In 2024 Delfir Nifty was Reserve Supreme and Reserve Female at the Scottish Simmental National Show at Turriff, and in a year when she became the first Simmental to win the Junior Overall Interbreed at the Royal Highland. 2026 has in itself proven to be quite a summer for this ‘Nifty’ mother and daughter ‘dynamic duo’, and their day at the Black Isle was fully rounded off when they won the trophy for the best cow and calf! There was a further win for the Delfur herd when Delfur Shakira took the red ticket in the class for heifers born between 1st January and 31st March 2025. This January 2025 born heifer is by Kilbride Farm Nebulus 22, and is out of the Innerwick Ivor 17 daughter, Delfur Nightingale 46.
Quarryhill Sadie, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show, Reserve Junior Female
Standing as the Reserve Junior Female Champion, was Quarryhill Sadie from Geoff & Kate Anderson, Wester Greens Farm, Lossiemouth, Moray. Again with plenty of breeding behind her, this October 2025 born heifer is by Wolfstar Nasa 22 who was purchased at Stirling for 14,000gns, and is the second calf out of Annick Desiree’s Joy EX 90 who herself was purchased as a calf for 6000gns at the Annick Herd Dispersal Sale in 2022. Described as a heifer with good length and depth, and very correct on her legs, the forward plans are for Quarryhill Sadie to be a quality a breeding female in the herd.
Coltfield Sambo, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show, Male Champion
Into the bulls and it was another top day for father and son team Cameron & James MacIver, Wester Coltfield, Forres, Moray who, after winning the first class of the day, then went on to win the Male Championship and Junior Male Championship with their February 2025 born young bull, Coltfield Sambo. Sambo is sired by Scotland Hill Invader 17 EX 92, whose sons to date at sale average 17,500gns, and is out of Coltfield Kitkat VG 85, a Rockytop Invader 17 EX 92 daughter. Proving herself as a breeding female, Coltfield Kitkat VG 85 is also the dam of Coltfield Result who was Reserve Male and Reserve Junior Male at last year’s Scottish Simmental National Show. The aim from here is that Coltfield Sambo, who carries good Calving Ease Direct figures, will go to the Stirling Simmental Sale in October. Of his Male Champion Tom Henderson said: “This was a long, clean, square type of a bull who was very good on his legs”.
Making it a cheeky herd double on the day, Sambo’s stablemate Coltfield Speyside also took first prize in the third class of the day. This September 2025 born bull is by Islavale Northstar 22 (ET) EX 90, and is out of Annick Whitney’s Fresia EX 94 who was purchased at the Annick herd Dispersal Sale for 6200gns. Coltfield Speyside, whose full brother Coltfield Rhysand was Reserve Senior Male at the 2025 Stars of the Future Calf Show, will be aimed at the February 2027 Stirling Simmental Bull Sale.
Islavale Serbia, 2026 Scottish Simmental National Show, Reserve Male Champion
Islavale Serbia 25 from WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, pocketed a class win before going to take the Overall Male Reserve, and Reserve Junior Male titles with Islavale Serbia 25. April 2025 born, Islavale Serbia is Bighill Parker (ET) EX 90, and is out of Islavale Maddison VG 85. Bighill Parker is ‘breeding very well’ in the Islavale herd and is the sire of the 14,000gns Islavale Rafferty, sold at Stirling in May this year where he was Junior and Reserve Overall Champion, and also the sire of the 7000gns young heifer Islavale Regal, sold at the Next Gen V Sale at Carlisle in December last year. Serbia’s dam, Islavale Maddison VG 88 also has a breeding track record behind her with her first calf, Islavale Reggie 24 (P), making 12,000gns when selling at Stirling in October 2025. All being well, Islavale Serbia 25 is aimed at the upcoming Stirling Simmental Bull Sale in October this year. Into the special awards, and Islavale Serbia 25 teamed up with the November 2024 born Islavale Topaz 25 to win the Simmental Pairs. Topaz 25, who is fully homebred being by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX 95, and out of Islavale Topaz 8 EX 93 (EX2), had stood second in her class to the day’s Overall Supreme Champion.
A big mention also to a strong class of Simmental Young Handlers which was won by Hannah Sinclair, with Neve Hamilton in second place, and Sarah Sinclair in third.
It’s a huge well done to all of the exhibitors at the Scottish Simmental National Show, held at the Black Isle, for putting on another quality display of Simmental cattle. Just as a little roll call there were Class or Championship wins for the following herds: Backmuir; Coltfield; Delfur; Grangewood; Islavale; Lagavaich; Latheron; Mavsey; Quarryhill; and Struthers. Well done to the prize winners and all of the exhibitors.
Overall Championship Presentation
Male and Junior Male Champion and Reserve
Senior Female Champion and Reserve
Junior Champion & Reserve
Junior Female Champion & Reserve
2026 Scottish Simmental National Show Results 2026
Black Isle Show, 6th August 2026
Judge: Tom Henderson, Desswood & Dargill Herds, Crieff, Perthshire.
Class 240 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st J C MacIver Coltfield Sambo 25
2nd Delfur Farms Delfur Supernova 25
Class 241 Bull born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2025
1st Mr W S Stronach Islavale Serbia 25
2nd A & B Munro Well House Stop N Stare 25
3rd A & B Munro Well House Sexy and I know it 25
Class 242 Bull born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2025
1st J C MacIver Coltfield Speyside 25
2nd Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop Sonic 25
3rd Mr B Grant Dellfield Spartan 25
4th Mr B Grant Dellfield Starman 25
Coltfield Speyside
Class 243 cow born before 31st December 2022
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty
2nd Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
3rd Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
4th Geoff & Kate Anderson Annick Joy’s Natalie
Class 244 Junior Cow on or born between 1st January 2023 and 31st December 2023
1st Jenson Sinclair Gunn Denizes Eunice 5th
Denizes Eunice 5th
Class 245 Heifer born between 1st April and 30th June 2024
1st A & K Rhind & Son Islavale Ruby
2nd Reece Simmers Backmuir Eva’s Ruse
Islavale Ruby
Class 246 Heifer born between 1st July and 31st December 2024
1st A & A Wright Lagavaich Rosie
2nd Mr W S Stronach Islavale Topaz 25
3rd Andrew Leedham Grangewood Raspberry Ripple
Class 247 Heifer born between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Shakira
2nd Sarah & Graham Sinclair Newbiemains Superstar
3rd R M S & A T D Pettit Coolcran Lady Shakira
4th Sarah & Graham Sinclair Newbiemains Shakira
5th Reece Simmers Backmuir Noreen’s Sierra
Delfur Shakira
Class 248 Heifer born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2025
1st Andrew Leedham Grangewood Tollie’s Spice Girl
Grangewood Tollie’s Spice Girl
Class 249 Heifer born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2025
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty S1
2nd Geoff & Kate Anderson Quarryhill Sadie
3rd Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop Khora’s Sapphire
4th Andrew Leedham Grangewood Sweet Sensation
Class 250 Calf born in the year of the show
1st Reece Simmers Backmuir Nutmeg’s Topsy
2nd Jenson Sinclair Gunn Caithness Trailblazer
Backmuir Nutmeg’s Topsy
Class 251 Pairs
1st Mr W S Stronach Islavale
2nd Andrew Leedham Grangewood
3rd Gary & Angela Christie Rockytop
4th Mr B Grant Well House.
Islavale Winning Pair, Islavale Serbia and Islavale Topaz 25
Junior Male Champion
J C MacIver Coltfield Sambo 25
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Mr W S Stronach Islavale Serbia 25
Junior Female Champion
Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty S1
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Geoff & Kate Anderson Quarryhill Sadie
Senior Female Champion
A & A Wright Lagavaich Rosie
Reserve Senior Female Champion
Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty
Female Champion
A & A Wright Lagavaich Rosie
Reserve Female Champion
Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty S1
Male Champion
J C MacIver Coltfield Sambo 25
Reserve Male Champion
Mr W S Stronach Islavale Serbia 25
Overall Supreme Champion
A & A Wright Lagavaich Rosie
Reserve Overall Champion
Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty S1
Young Handlers
1st Hannah Sinclair
2nd Neve Hamilton
3rd Sarah Sinclair
4th Amy Stronach
5th Ellie Stronach
by Iain | Jun 26, 2026 | 2026 Royal Highland Show, 2026 News, 2026, 2026 Scottish News, Uncategorised
Delfur Nifty wins Female Championship and Overall Reserve
Corskie Stone take the Overall Junior Championship
Simmentals win Team of Four Interbreed for first time since 1998
Simmentals lift Reserve In Overall Individual, and Pairs Interbreeds
Backmuir Rambo 24 from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, powered though a quality line up of Simmentals to win the breed’s Male Championship and be crowned Overall Simmental Supreme Champion on day one of the 2026 Royal Highland Show held at Ingliston, on Thursday 18th June.
Overall Simmental Supreme Champion Backmuir Rambo
Remarkably this is the fifth time in a row the highly noted Backmuir herd has won the Simmental Supreme at the Royal Highland, and the first time with a homebred animal. This ‘five in a row’ is thought to be a Simmental record and possibly the first time it has been achieved by any beef breed exhibitor at this blue riband event for Scottish livestock.
Played out in front of the judge for the day, Adrian Ivory of the Strathisla herd, Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie, this January 2024 born upstanding young bull came through his class before taking the Male Championship and finally getting the all important Championship tap in front of the packed ringside crowd.
Full of breeding, Backmuir Rambo 24 is an ET calf sired by the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo, and out of Brandane Lu Lu, who was also 18,000gns when purchased at the Next Gen II Sale held at Carlisle in December 2022. Commenting on his Champion, the judge Adrian Ivory said: “This was very much my type of bull and just full of flash and presence he caught my eye immediately. A very modern type of Simmental bull he’s full of breed character with a lovely head, is very natural, has plenty of length with a good top and end, and walked well. A super Simmental bull and a classy Champion.”
Simmental judge, Adrian Ivory
The amazing ‘five in a row’ for Reece & Andrew Simmers started back in 2022 when they won the Royal Highland with Islavale Lullaby (purchased at the first Next Gen Sale in 2020). The following 2023, 2024, 2025 years saw the iconic Annick Ginger’s Lucia win a personal hat trick and make it four in a row, and with the homebred Backmuir Rambo now stepping up to make it an incredible five wins. Along the way there’s also been an Individual Interbreed Supreme, and now Reserve!
With a little time for reflection, a delighted Reece Simmers said: “After last year I said it was a forward aim to win the Championship with a homebred animal so to achieve that so soon we are all really delighted. Winning five in a row is very humbling and beyond any expectation you could reasonably have. The standard and quality of Simmental cattle in that time has been so high and ever improving. For the Backmuir herd to now have this little piece of history in the 183rd year of Scotland’s premier agricultural show is something really special.”
“Rambo has length, width, size for his age, has a sweet head, a depth of hip, and is square on the plates. He’s the colour we like, has plenty of presence, and we think is similar in type to the 22,000gns Backmuir Ralf (also a Jackaroo son) sold at Stirling in February this year. He’s got cows in calf due in September, and after a wee rest now will be put out back to work.” Just rounding it all up, Backmuir Rambo was Overall Simmental Supreme; Simmental Male Champion; part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four; Overall Reserve in the Individual Interbreed; and Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs.
Winning a high end Female Championship was another animal with a Royal Highland Show pedigree behind her in the shape of Delfur Nifty from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. This much decorated young 2022 born cow, was shown with her cracking second calf at foot, a heifer also named Nifty, and by the 28,000gns herd stock bull Islavale Magnum.
Delfur Nifty
Needing little introduction, Delfur Nifty has been a prolific Championship and Interbreed winner across multiple calf shows, winter fairs, county shows, and summer ‘majors’. Writing her own little bit of breed history, in 2024 she became the first Simmental to win the Royal Highland Show Interbreed Junior Championship! Delfur Nifty is by Ballymoney Larry, a Saltire Impressive son, and is out of Delfur Joyful, an Islavale Cassius daughter.
It was a mighty judge off in the Female Championship with Delfur Nifty getting the Championship nod over the legendary Annick Ginger’s Lucia who took the reserve Female Championship. Of his Female Champion and Overall Reserve Supreme, Adrian Ivory said: “What a fantastic example of a Simmental female this is. A ‘working mum’ she is very maternal with a great bag on her and making a terrific job of her outstanding calf at foot. With a flashiness and presence, she has a good breed head, walks well, is full of length and with a good top. Another very modern, high quality Simmental cow.”
Speaking afterwards a delighted Garry Patterson, the Delfur Simmental Herd Manager said: “It’s been a fantastic show and to win the Female Championship and Overall Reserve Supreme with the quality that was on show is just tremendous. To then follow that up with being a part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four, and Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs is just tremendous. It’s a great follow on from winning the Junior Individual Interbreed with her in 2024. In herself she’s a big, upstanding, powerful female full of breed character, and with good mobility. This is her first calf at foot sired by Islavale Magnum and she’s making a great job of her with plenty of milk. She’s a special, benchmark female but very much of the type that we’re aspiring to breed in the Delfur herd.”
Overall Reserve Simmental Female Champion Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Placing Overall Reserve Female was the aforementioned legendary Annick Ginger’s Lucia from Andrew & Reece Simmers, Backmuir Farm. Lucia’s name is already cemented into Simmental breed history with her hat-trick of Overall Supreme wins at the Royal Highland, the Individual Overall Interbreed Supreme at the Highland in 2024, a hat-trick of Individual Supremes at the Scottish National Show, and multiple major wins at Scottish county shows! This 2020 born cow is of course by Wolfstar Gold Digger, and is out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger EX 93.
In keeping with recent years, it was again another hugely successful show for the Simmental breed. The win in the Interbreed Team of Four was the first time this title has been secured by the Simmental breed since 1998. Taking Overall Reserve in both the Overall Individual Interbreed, and Interbreed Pairs, once again gave the breed terrific visibility and profile. Another fantastic show of Simmental cattle and again indicative of the ever improving quality within the Simmental breed. A massive well done to all of the exhibitors.
Overall Junior Champion, & Champion Junior Male, Corskie Stone
Back in the bulls and the young April 2025 born Corskie Stone from the also prolific Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers, lifted a nice double when winning the Overall Junior Championship, and Junior Male Championship. Corskie Stone, is by the stock bull Rathnashan Magnum, and is out of Corskie Migem. No strangers to the winners circle, the Overall Junior Championship made it two in a row with the classy Corskie Pinnette having won it last year. With a bit of connectivity, Corskie Stone’s great granny, Corskie Hi-Gem VG 88 was a full sister to Corskie Cegem who won the Junior Interbreed at the Highland in 2013. Corskie also won the Junior Interbreed title in 2016. Of his Overall Junior Champion, the judge Adrian Ivory said: “This young bull just oozed style and breed character. He walked very well, had a good top, with width to him, and was very good over the plates. A standout bull and with a big future ahead of him.” These comments were echoed by Laura Green who said: “He’s a very modern Simmental bull with plenty of length, good width, and a nice shape behind. He’s also got a lovely temperament and from here we’ll be aiming him at either the October Stirling Sale or February next year.”
Reserve Overall Male Champion, Denizes Nugget
Coming through the senior bulls and winning the Overall Reserve Male Championship was the mighty Denizes Nugget from Lancashire breeders Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston. The June 2022 born Denizes Nugget, bred by M A Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, was purchased for 37,000gns at Stirling in February 2024. Sired by Denizes Hamish, and out of the noted Ashland Topaz Lopez, Nugget arrived at Ingliston weighing in at 1500kgs! Commenting, Vikki Wood said: “We’re really pleased to support such a prestigious show and represent the breed by showing a big, quality Simmental bull. Nugget has great width, length, and conformation, and is good on his feet and legs. He’s got good breeding behind him, is very easy to handle, and is breeding very well. Nugget is entered into the Royal Norfolk, Great Yorkshire, and Royal Welsh so he’s on tour at this summer’s shows!”
Reserve Overall Junior Champion & Champion Junior Female, Denizes Matilda 21st
Winning the Junior Female Championship, and Overall Junior Reserve, was Denizes Matilda 21st from the aforementioned MA Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. September 2024 born, this powerful, growthy heifer is another by Denizes Hamish, and is out of Denizes Matilda 5, a daughter of a previous Royal Highland Show Champion, Blackford Galaxy. Denizes Matilda 21st will also now move on to the Simmental English National Show held within the Royal Norfolk.
Reserve Junior Female Champion, Guiltcross Saffon
All the way from Norwich and making their debut as exhibitors at the Royal Highland Show was Marcus & Helen Searle, Wagon Lodge, Kenninghall. It was a more than worthwhile journey with their February 2025 born heifer Guiltcross Saffron winning her class and taking the Reserve Junior Female Championship. Full of breeding Saffron, described as ‘a stylish, modern heifer, thick set, and fantastic across the plates’ is by the noted Woodhall Ferrari 14, and out of Brandane Kirsty, a Sterling Gino 15 daughter. Speaking afterwards, Helen Searle said: “This is our first time at the Highland and was just a great opportunity to see how we stack up against some of the biggest breeders in the Simmental breed. It’s also a bit of promotion as we have bulls sired by her full brother that we’re aiming for Stirling in October. To get Reserve Junior Female was amazing and beyond any expectations given the standard of Simmentals at the Highland.”
Reserve Champion Junior Male, Tippetcraig Someboy
Staying in the juniors and it was a terrific Reserve Junior Male Championship win for the Burns Family, Tippetcraig Farm, High Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire with their young bull Tippetcraig Someboy (P). Tippetcraig Simmentals were established in 2023 and this was the first time the family had shown a homebred Simmental at Ingliston. Remarkably, the Reserve Junior Male Championship was also secured in the Highland pedigree classes, a breed the family has been showing for some years. Of Tippetcraig Someboy, Lindsay Stark said: “We think he’s a long, clean and modern polled bull, with a tremendous top on him. He has a natural flashy presence about him which makes him a joy to show. We have really enjoyed bringing this bull on because of his lovely nature, and he’s simply a delight to work with. All being well, Tippetcraig Someboy will head to the Stirling bull sales this October.” This latest prize follows on from Tippetcraig Someboy winning the Junior Male Championship at the Stars of the Future Calf Show in November last year.
Tippetcraig Someboy (P) is by Kilbride Farm Maverick, a son of the noted Kilbride Farm Jetstream, and is out of Broombrae Rosina M2 21, a Lisglass Goldstar daughter purchased in February 2023 at Stirling. Fast establishing, the Tippetcraig herd presently comprises of fifteen breeding females.
Simmental Overall Interbreed Team of Four Champions
From a quality entry, the breed was able to put forward some fantastic combinations in the respective Interbreeds. Leading the way was the Team of Four who secured a first Championship win for the Simmental breed in this ‘blue riband’ interbreed since 1998. Joining Backmuir Rambo, and Delfur Nifty, was two heifers who had to be under three years of age. First up was the class winner Drumsleed Rachel 24 (P) from regular exhibitors and past Champions Geral & Morag Smith, Fordoun, Laurencekirk. This June 2024 born heifer is by the homozygous polled Coose Negotiator (PP) and is out of Drumsleed Granola 15. Completing the winning team was Bowhill Ruth from D&R Holdings, Newmiln, Ayrshire, and who had stood second in her class to the Junior Female Champion. Bowhill Ruth is by Denizes Lancelot and is out of Overhill House Mary, an Aultmore Goliath daughter. August 2024 born, Bowhill Ruth as a yearling baby, stood as reserve Junior Female at last year’s Scottish Simmental National Show.
Supreme Championship Backmuir Rambo & Delfur Nifty
Male Championship Backmuir Rambo & Denizes Nugget
Female Championship Delfur Nifty & Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Junior Championship Corskie Stone & Denizes Matilda 21st
Junior Male Championship Corskie Stone & Tippetcraig Someboy
Junior Female Championship Guiltcross Saffron & Denizes Matilda 21st
2026 Royal Highland Show
Thursday 18th June 2026
Judge Mr Adrian Ivory, Meigle, Blairgowrie, Perthshire
Results
Class 263 Female born on or after 1st April 2025
1st Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Skye
2nd WJ&J Green 2827 Corskie Siller
3rd Gavin Brown Springfield Skylar
Pitmudie Skye
Class 264 Female born between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st MG Searle Guiltcross Saffron
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Southern
3rd J&K McMillan Brandane Sporty Spice
4th Delfur Farms Delfur Shakira
Reserve Champion Junior Champion, Guiltcross Saffon
Class 265 Female born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2024
1st Barlow Brothers Denizes Matilda 21st
2nd Bowhill Simmentals Bowhill Ruth
3rd WJ&J Green Corskie Role Play
4th Gavin Brown Springfield Rose
Reserve Overall Junior Champion & Champion Junior Female, Denizes Matilda 21st
Class 266 Female born on or between 1st January and 30th June 2024
1st Gerald Smith Drumsleed Rachel 24
2nd Laura Green Garmouth Kim’s Rachel
3rd R&A Simmers Backmuir Lu Lu’s Rosalu
4th Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Robyn
Drumsleed Rachel 24
Class 268 Female Born in 2021 or 2022 in milk or certified in calf at time of show
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Mimic
3rd R&A Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
Class 269 Female born on or before 31st December 2020, in milk of certified in calf at time of show
1st R&A Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
2nd JH&VG Wood Popes Princess Lumi
Class 270 Bull born on or after 1st April 2025
1st WJ&J Green Corskie Stone
2nd J&E Dyet Merkland Supersonic
3rd N&N Gwynne Chestermann Sandy
4th Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Shetland
Class 271 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st The Burns Family Tippetcraig Someboy
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Sunnyd
Class 272 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st December 2024
1st R&A Simmers Backmuir Rambo
Class 273 Bull born on or before 31st December 2023
1st JH&VG Wood Denizes Nugget,
2nd Clive Houldey Backmuir Nate,
Champion Junior Female
Denizes Matilda 21st Barlow Brothers
Reserve Champion Junior Female
Guiltcross Saffron MG Searle
Overall Champion Female
Delfur Nifty, Delfur Farms
Overall Reserve Champion Female
Annick Ginger’s Lucia R&A Simmers
Champion Junior Male
Corskie Stone, WJ&J Green
Reserve Champion Junior Male
Tippetcraig Someboy The Burns Family
Overall Champion Male
Backmuir Rambo R&A Simmers
Reserve Overall Champion Male
Denizes Nugget JH&VG Wood
Overall Champion Junior
Corskie Stone WJ&J Green
Reserve Overall Champion Junior
Denizes Matilda 21st Barlow Brother
Overall Supreme Champion
Backmuir Rambo R&A Simmers
Reserve Supreme Champion
Delfur Nifty Delfur Farms
Best Group
R&A Simmers
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 Durno’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 Nicky Moreton | Feb 26, 2026 | 2026 News, 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 Aberdeen Sales
- 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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