Recently in Stirling Category

The snow may have delayed the Taking Stock team's journey up north, but take a look at our first preview video below. We'll have more video updates to come when we make it up to the auction centre tomorrow, including comments from the auctioneers and views from around the ring.

Until then, as we sit waiting for our delayed flight, enjoy....

 

Top price in Saturday's reduction sales from the Balmyle and Maerdy Charolais herds of Bill Bruce and Esmor Evans, respectively, was a 9000gns bid five year old cow, Maerdy Basquet.

This one is an ET bred daughter of French sire, Major, and sold with a heifer calf at foot, Maerdy Graham. She is out of Merveille, with her calf being by Maerdy Padirac. She was knocked down to A I J B Forrest, Biggar, Lanark.Next best at 8000gns was one from the Balmyle herd's offering, Balmyle Bluebell. This is a Pedr Thumper daughter out of Balmyle Tinkerbell, a Maerdy Othello daughter. She sold with a Pennal Dazzler sired bull calf, Balmyle Greylag at foot. She found a new home in the Swalesmoor herd off Danny Sawrij, Lockerbie.

Then selling at 7000gns was a three year old from Balmyle, a Solitude Attaboy daughter Balmyle Dizzy. Out of Balmyle Teasel, a Dingle Hoffmeister daughter she sold with a heifer calf at foot by Balthayock Diplomat and was bought by John Milligan, Ballathie Estates, with a TSI of +40 and an SRI of +35.

This was followed by a trio at 6000gns, with the first at this price being Balmyle Daisy a Balmyle Statesman daughter out of Maerdy Othello daughter Balmyle Verity. She went with her seven month old heifer calf, Balmyle Gabriella, at foot, with this being a Brampton Nacodar daughter. Taking her home was David Farrorini, Tockwith, Yorkshire.

The second transaction at this money came when Leys Farms, Inverness, bought Balmyle Diana, a Sackville Adonis daughter, and her eight month old bull calf, Balmyle Goosberry, a Balthayock Diplomat son.

And the final 6000gns bid of the sale was made for Balmyle Affection, dam of Balmyle Diana. This is a Balmyle Statesman daughter out of Balmyle  Tinsle and sold with her seven month old heifer calf, Balmyle Gilly, another by Diplomat. She was knocked down to Jack Nicol's Mority Farms, Alyth.

Adrian Ivory, Strathisla Farms, Meigle, then paid 5500gns to secure Balmyle Belinda, a cow by Maerdy Othello and out of Balmyle Plum. She went with her heifer calf, Balmyle Gleam, a Pennal Dazzller daughter.

The same price was then paid by C G Greig Farms, Pitlochie, Gateside, Fife, for nine year old cow, Balmyle Tiffany. She's by Balmyle Rivoli and out of Balmyle Omega, a Balmyle Laurier daughter. She again went with a Dazzle calf at foot, this time a bull calf Balmyle Graduate.

A pair then also sold at 5000gns, with both of these being bought by J A Connelly, for the  Brigadoon herd, Ballynahinch, Co Down. First to go was Balmyle Delight a Solitude Attaboy daugthter  out of Balymyle Uppercrust a Balmyle Statesman daughter. Accompanying her was her bull calf by Brampton Nacador, Balmyle Georgio.

Also at this price was 19 month old maiden heifer, Balmyle Felicity, a Sackville Claudius daughter out of Balmyle Plum, dam of 5500gns Balmyle Belinda.

Second best of the sale for Mr Evans was Merdy Unkept, a daughter of Maerdy Sinndar out of Maerdy Rapture, a Maerdy Naser daughter. She sold with her heifer calf at foot, Maerdy Gwenda, a Begonia daughter. She made 4000gns to Eric Mutch and his son, Ellis, Forglen, Banff.

Averages; Balmyle 32 cows and calves £4052, 33 in calf and maiden heifers £2394; Maerdy 13 cows and calves £3283, 14 heifers in calf £2220 (United Auctions).

The future of United Auctions' Stirling Mart and with it the future of all the sales hosted there has been secured after a deal was agreed between UA and KPMG, administrators for the site's owners Elphinstone Land.

Uncertainty had existed since Elphinstone went into administration last autumn, but this spells the end of that uncertainty and marks a new chapter in the business. You can read the full story here

Following yesterday's Aberdeen-Angus and Limousin previews, here's a look at the Beef Shorthorns on offer and also the British Blues and Salers that will be forward.

Starting with the Beef Shorthorns, my first pick is Tofts Harlequin (lot 269), a Chapelton Promoter son out of Tofts Holly, a Belmore Uptown daughter. He comes with a TSI of +16 and an SRI of +14.

Then I've marked out Alvie Connor (lot 271), a Hurtiso Young Blood son out of Cairnsmore Your Lovely Maggie, a Fearn Scotsman daughter. He was junior champion at the Highland last year and has a TSI of +13 and an SRI of +12.

After that it is on to Tamhorn Crusader (lot 274). This is by Trunley Barley and out of Cairnsmore Whitney, a Cairnsmore Nike Sportsman daughter. He has a TSI of +17 and an SRI of +16.

Following that is Glenisla Clansman (lot 278). He is by Glenisla Zambezi and out of Glenisla Sally Broadhooks S105, a Glenisla Noble daughter. This one trades with a TSI of +15 and an impressive SRI of +22.

Trade at or arond the 4000gns mark has been strong here at Stirling, with a number of bulls selling to commercial buyers at that sort of mark.

The demand for darker bulls has seen Kibride Farm Ardbeg (lot 439) sell at 4000gns. This is by Cairnview Snazzy and out of Kilbride Farm Eunice, a Kilbride Farm Newry daughter. He has a TSI of +29 and an SRI of +35.

Another dark bull, Midhope Apache (lot 447), a Dirnanean Snowie son out of Midhope Majella, a Greenside Eric daughter went at 7500gns to Mr Sutherland. TSI here was +25 and his SRI is +27.

Taking the first class of Simmental bulls was Starline Apollo (lot 409), second was Popes Atom (lot 405) and third was Copper Mill Andrew (lot 406).

Second class winner was Blackford Aristocrat (lot 426), second was Silver Birch A Mans Man (lot 413).

In the third class the winner was Blackford Apache (lot 431), second went to Grangewood albert (lot 433) and third was Broombrae Aztec (lot 437).

Red ticket in the fourth class went to Midhope Apache (lot 447), second was Kilbride Farm Ardbeg (lot 439) and third went to Hirwaun Archie (lot 446).

Then the fifth class was won by Delfur Alfie (lot 454), second was Roma Aristocrat (lot 457) and third was Roma Ambassador (lot 458).

Leading the sixth class was Drumsleed Amazon (lot 470), with Kilbride Farm Ayr in second (lot 465) and Kilbride Farm Avoca (lot 466) in third.

This is just a warning for any of you hoping for coverage from Stirling tomorrow, I'm afraid Taking Stock won't be ringside this time around.

As much as I know you'll be eager for news from the sale, I can't be there tomorrow. I'll endeavour to bring you all the news I can at the earliest opportunity. Best of luck to all those with stock forward for sale

With the main round of spring bull sales completed and more than 2000 miles completed in the process, its been a busy spell for Taking Stock already in 2010.

But that is nothing compared to the dedication Taking Stock followers have shown already this year, racking up an amzing 103,000 page views so far this year and a phenomenal number of comments too about just about every possible subject in the breeding world.

For the statos among you this compares to just over 38,500 in the same time period last year and puts us well on target for more than 1m page views this year - provided of course you all keep coming back as often!

But, not being ones to rest on our laurels there will be new developments along this year to boost the offering Taking Stock gives you, the first of which is the ability to follow all the sales news reported here on Taking Stock via Facebook - simply search for Taking Stock on Facebook and then become a fan of the site to follow all the news. Alternatively simply click the link and sign up that way. 

And of course you can already follow us on Twitter too, just look for FWtakingstock on twitter and sign up to follow us wherever you are and wherever we go! Clicking the link works for Twitter too, so its easy to sign up.

For now I've just updated the spring bull sales picture gallery again, so have a look and see what you make of the Limousins, Simmentals and Charolais from this week and the Angus, Limousins and Shorthorns from the last round of sales.... 

And, of course, there'll be news from the British Blue sale at Carlisle on Friday and I'm just off to book flights for the Royal Northern Spring Show next week, so see you there too.

The final few Charolais bulls out of the 204 offered have just sold with the best call among the late lots being a 7000gns bid for Stobarts Deacon, a Woodpark Bishop son out of Tillbrook Ribbon, a Chathill Meteor daughter. This sold the Mrs Fisher.

Then,next best was a 5800gns sale for Redheughs Devon, a son of Balmyle Brinstone out of Redheughs Venice, a Maerdy Shogun daughter with a TSI of +27 and an SRI of +34.

5000gns saw Logan Dash, a Logan Amazon son out of Logan Peach, a Loganbar Innes daughter find a new home with a TSI of +12 and an SRI of +16.

While, a 4500gns bid secured Maerdy Dentist, a Val'Or-Ra son out of Maerdy Venacava, a Maerdy Grimaldi daughter. He traded with a TSI of +42 and an SRI of +44.

Overall 48 of the 204 forward failed to find new homes today, females sell in 10 minutes time.

Hamish Goldie had just enjoyed a strong run of prices for the juniors selling Goldies Detour at 26,000gns.This son of Goldies Banker is out of Goldies Violin, a daughter of Thrunton Trademark. With a TSI of +28 and an SRI of +35, this one was snapped up after a bidding war by Charlie Boden for his Sportsmans herd.

At 5500gns was Goldies Dusk, a Banker son out of Goldies Utmost, a Maerdy Naser daughter, with a TSI of +28 and an SRI of +35.

Selling at 6200gns was Balthayock Darcy, a son of Balthayock Adonis, this is out of Balthayock Unity, a daughter of Maerdy Othello and has a TSI of +42 and an SRI of +55. He sold to Ballathie Estates/

Then at 5200gns was Mandela Dollar, a son of Talisman out of Camber Peony, a Rockyranch Icon daughter.

 And another from Balthayock, again by Adonis, Balthayock Defiant then made 6500gns. This is out of Balthayock Violin and has a TSI of +41 and an SRI of +48.

The junior bulls continue to make fair money with a brace of 5000gns bids in quick succession. First up was Burnside Dillon, a Balmyle Vagabond son out of Burnside Naf, an Oldstone Egbert daughter and second at this money was Ugie Dynamo, a Farleycopse Turbo son out of Ugie Trudy, a Maerdy Oxytone daughter.

Andrew Anderson then spent the same money on Newhouse Dynamite, a Solitude Attaboy son out of Newhouse Orange, a Silver Joss daughter. This has a TSI of +18 and an SRI of +25.

 

Another Sackville Adonis son, Newhouse Demitri from the Adam family has sold at 10,000gns. This is out of Newhouse Ogirlie, a Silver Joss daughter and stood first in his class before selling to Jim Webb, Rushfield, with a TSI of +27 and an SRI of +33.

On the way to a new home at 9000gns is Hillviewfarm Deserve, an Allanfauld Vagabond son out of Coolnaslee Regina, a Derrygiff Mills daughter. This sold with a TSI of +14 and an SRI of +16.

 

Inverlochy Dagan, a son of lochend Apache and out of Inverlochy Angie sold at 8000gns. He has a TSI of +38 and an SRI of +42.

Then at 9000gns was Edenhurst Denver. This is by Dingle Hoffmeister and out of Edenhurst Amelia, an Edenhurst Titus daughter. This has a TSI of +35 and SRI of +39.

On from that at 6000gns was Edenhurst Director. This is by Mowbraypark Paramount and out of Edenhurst Phillippa, a Hoffmeister daughter. This comes with a TSI of +35 and an SRI of +35 too.

The next from the Wights came next, Carwood Dean at 5000gns. He's by Kelton Trident and out of Carwood Val, a Kilboy Peregrine daughter. He has a TSI of +24 and an SRI of +27.

At the same money was one from the Barclay family, Harestone Dazzler. He is out of Harestone Rotabaga and out of Harestone Urbina, a Soldat daughter.

Taking a 6800gns bid here at Stirling was Thrunton Dolomite, a Talisman son out of Thrunton Unity, a Mowbraypark Orlando daughter. He has a TSI of +28 and an SRI of +39.

After that was Inverlochy Dude at 5500gns, a Lochend Apache son out of Inverlochy Tessa, an Elgin Orion daughter.

And then at 8500gns was Sandleford Driscoll. This Goldies Usher son is out of Sandleford Seles, a Drummeer Major daughter. He has a TSI of +31 and an SRI of +33.

Selling away at 6000gns was Goldies Dennis. He is a son of Goldies Vicechancellor and out of Kinclune Pearl, a Killadeas Legend daughter. This sold with a TSI of +33 and an SRI of +38.

Setting another five figure deal was Sandelford Duggan at 11,000gns. This is by Usher again and out of Sandleford Seles too, being ET bred to the 8500gns Sandleford Driscoll from a few moments ago.

Another has just gone at today's favourite price so far of 11,000gns. This is Goldeis Diademe, a Balthayock Ulex son out of Goldies Ura, a Blelack Rustic daughter. He has a TSI of +32 and an SRI of +38.

And then at 7500gns was Goldies Dave. He's by Ulex again and out of Kinclune Plum, a Killadeas Legend daughter.

At 6000gns was Gwenog Dollar, a Blelack Tycoon son out of Gwenog Undeg, a Derryharney Outstanding daughter which sold to Willie Porter with a TSI of +22 and an SRI of +27.

Making 10,000gns was Midlock Dave. He's by Allanfauld Voltage and out of Midlock Tap, an Allanfauld Nutcase daughter. This has a TSI of +15 and an SRI of +17.

 

Alsnow Defiance, a Blelack Roger son out of Alsnow Victoria, a Thrunton Socrates daughter, from Alan Lawson has set the highest price of the day so far, selling at 6800gns. This has a TSI of +31 and an SRI of +36.

Just after that the first of the day from the Massies of Blelack met a furious bidding war (relative to the early trade) when he sold at 9000gns. This is Blelack Dominant, a Cargriff Victorious son out of Blelack Utterlybutterly, a Socrates daughter.He had a TSI of +35 and an SRI of +44.

And then at 6000gns was Elgin Diplomat, this Gower Versace son is out of Elgin Undress, an Inverlochy Resolve daughter. He has a TSI of +33 and an SRI of +39 and sold to Crow Farms as earlier.

 After that another from Blelack sold at 8000gns, he was Blelack Dante,a Socrates son out of Blelack Argentina, a Bassingbourn Ralph daughter. This one carries a TSi of +38 and an SRI of +41.

Selling at 5500gns was Hendy Duncan, a Corrie Alan son out of Hendy Naomi, a Balmyle Italiano daughter, with a TSI of +22 and an SRI of +30.

The sale of haltered Simmental females has seen a peak of 4000gns for the fourth prize Corskie Vail from Iain Green. By Ballinlare Farm Nightrider out of Corskie Reba, this one has a milk figure of +7 and a SRI of +34. She sold to R and C Simmers, Clola, Peterhead.

Next at 3600gns was the reserve female champion Blair Willow from Colin Fordyce, Perth. By Ashland Super Boy, this january 2008-born heifer is out of the Blackford lionheart daughter Blair Rosie and sold with a SRI of +35 and TI of +30, again to Mr Simmers.

At the same money Whiteridden wendy, a third prize heifer from Mr Gilbert sold to Mrs M Ward and Sons, Carnwath, Lanarkshire. This one is by Celtic Rock and us out of a homebred milnafua Graduate daughter.

Boddington Estates then sold their second prize heifer Sterling Joyfull's Valderama, a Sterling Parlimentarian daughter for 3200gns to Stephen Allardyce, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.

For the same money Terry Coghill, Orkney, bought Glenturk Whitney, a Pistyll Sam daughter from Brian Allan.

For those of you left wondering what happened to the sale of the champion heifer Sterling Grace's Wilhemina (by Darsham Playboy) well unfortunately she left the ring unsold at 9000gns - many would agree that was one of the shocks of the day!!!  

Judging in the Charolais classes is underway with Gilbert Crawford proving a thorough judge for the day.

In the third class the top place went to Blelack Deveron, a Coolnaslee Adversary son out of Blelack Treacle, second was Blelack Damon, a Cargriff Victorious son out of Blelack Raspberry and thrid was Elgin Diplomat.

Fourth class honours were taken by Chunal Dougie, a Corrie Alan son out of Chunal Roxy, second here was Falleninch Dictator, a Gower Armani son out of Balbithan Savannah and third was Killadeas Duncan.

In the fifth class the win went to Blelack Diligent, a Thrunton Socrates son out of Blelack Sadie, second was Elgin Darthvader, a Gower Versace son out of Elgin Vixen and third was Elgin Dalmally.

Simmental selling is off and running at Stirling with the first notable price a 2200gns for the for sale bull only, Rosten Son-O'Barney from Boddington Estates. Thi sone is obviously by the noted sire Rosten Barney out of Wyeland Jade. He sold to Ian Mathers.

Closely followed was a call of 2400gns for Burghbride Vigus from the Clarke's. This one is a Brinkton Major son out of a Brinkton Excellence daughter. He went to Mr McIntosh, Stranraer.

At 5500gns, Messrs Whitehouse Farms have just sold Mayfield Woden (lot 3), a son of Corskie Storm out of Balmano Lavinia. He has a SRI of +35 and a TI of +30 and heads to alcan Farms, Morpeth, Northumberland.

There's a healthy crowd already ringside here for the Simmental sale due to start at 1pm. Its a fair show of bulls forward and while I'm not expecting a trade to match the Lims on Saturday, it will be a fair go I'd say.

Meanwhile, the Charolais judging is progressing well, so to keep you all informed of both I'll be reporting the Charolais results while Chrissie steps back into the Taking Stock boots and keeps you up to date with the Simmy trade....