Cast cow smashes mart records at Huntly Christmas Show and Sale

United Auctions has reported a new centre record for a cast cow at it’s Huntly mart, after a cow from Smallburn Farms topped £2,000 at the annual Christmas Show and Sale.

In fact, it is thought the cow (pictured below), which was bought by Phillip Simmers, Blackmuir, for 191p/kg, is the “dearest OTM animal sold in Scotland in recent times”.

The sale saw a total of 25 prime cattle, 29 OTM cattle and some 2,029 prime sheep going under the hammer – this included 1,522 new season lambs selling to 319p/kg for 47kg Beltex x from Hilton of Culsh, New Deer, and 1,191 SQQ up to 45.5kg averaged at 194.36p/kg.

The auctioneers remarked:  “Outwith the show trade remained similar on the week for heavier types of lambs. And a tremendous show of powerful ewes were on offer selling at the dearest rates seen thus far.”

The task of judging the prime lambs fell to Mr William Cameron, who awarded the champion title to a pen of five lambs from W&J Brown, Hilton of Culsh, New Deer.  This lot went under the hammer for £150, selling to Scott, Paisley.

The reserve title went to a pen of five Texels from Sheep Park Farms.  Weighing in at 47kg, this lot sold at £110.

Meanwhile, the sale of 25 prime cattle saw a top price of £1,701 (270p/kg) go to the overall champion on the day – a 630kg British Blue x heifer from Messrs Fettes, Brae of Enzie. 

The reserve title went to a 645kg  Limousin x bullock from Messrs Stephen, Meikle Geddes; this one sold to £1599.60 (248p/kg).  Both animals were bought by the judge, Mr Cameron, on behalf of Mathers (Inverurie) Ltd.

A total of 29 OTM cattle were sold, including the record priced £2,000 cast cow from Smallburn Farms.  The average was 132p/kg.