Stirling bull sales 2014: Simmental bulls top 16,000gns for NI consignment
Northern Ireland’s breeders secured the Simmental top price for the second October running as bidding has peaked at 16,000gns for Mr RJ Boyd’s Slievenagh Emperor 13.
Despite seven less bulls sold and a top price 2,000gns lower on the year, sale averages were up by £211, with 72 bulls selling to average £5,852, representing a clearance rate of 68% (67% in 2013).
Breed secretary Neil Shand said overall it’s was a good October sale despite money being a bit tight.“The sale was completely underpinned by strong commercial bidding with strong demand for good bulls,” he added.
The top price lot from Slievenagh Farm, Portglenone, County Antrim, was sired by Curaheen Apostle and out of Slievenagh Aileen. In the top 5% for TSI at +84, he went to GL Clark, Cupar, Fife.
Next highest was reserve overall male champion, Corskie Edgar 13 at 13,000gns, consigned by Iain Green, Garmouth, Fochabers. With a TSI of +103 and an SRI of +119, he’s in the top 1% of the breed. Sired by the Royal Highland Show’s overall champion, Dirnanean Bradley 10, and out of Corskie Tanya, buyer was Delfur Famrs, Aberlour, Banffshire.
The same vendor also consigned one of two bulls knocked down to 12,000gns. Mr Green’s Corskie Elton 13 was sired again by Dirnanean Bradley 10 and out of Corskie Wren 741. He’s in the top 5% of the breed with a TSI of +82 and an SRI of +100. Buyer was Iverdunning Ltd, Blairlogie, Stirling.
The second at 12,000gns was Mrs H Clarke’s Williams Eddie 13, Norwich, Norfolk. Sired by Clonagh Tiger Galland and out of Williams Lorette Auror, Eddie won the junior interbreed at the Great Yorkshire Show and junior male interbreed at the Royal Welsh earlier this year. He went home with D Leslie, Elgin, Morayshire.
Mr Green was to the fore again with his next lot Corksie Elvis 13 which made 11,000gns. Sired by Greencap Ace 09 he is out of Corskie Sable. Buyer was A and PA Hurn and Partners, Norwich, Norfolk.
Also at this price was GW Smith’s Drumsleed Eldorado 13. Sired by Auroch Ace and out of Drumsleed Suzie, he went home with D N Campbell and Sons, Thurso, Caithness.
The third lot for 11,000gns was Mr W S Stronach’s Islavale Ensign 13 from Grange, Keith. Sired by Chesterman Varney and out of Islavale Whoopi, the successful bidder was B Grant, Inverness.
The final five-figure sum was paid for Woodhall Energise 13. Consigned by Mr H MacAskill, Innerwick, Dunbar, he is sired by Raceview All-Star and out of Woodhall Venchen. He was knocked down to GT and S Coghill, Birsay, Orkney, for 10,200gns.
Females
The reduction of Mrs RE Smith’s Sapling herd dominated female prices, topping at 8,500gns for a cow and calf outfit. Other lots from the Sapling herd form Eaton, Taporley also saw top calls of 4,620gns and 4,410gns twice.
Leading prices was Sapling Bluebell, sired by Blackford Soul Man and out of Sapling Vanity. She sold to D C Houldey, Waterbeck, Lockerbie, with her February-born heifer calf, Sapling Fleurette, by Atlow Crown 11, at foot.
Leading the show offering of Simmental females was Mr and Mrs Picks’ overall female champion Scarthingwell Damselfly. Sired by Heywood Andrew and out of Scarthingwell Thistledown, this heifer went home with R and C Simmers, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, for 3,600gns.
Overall, females met a 97% clearance.
Averages: 72 bulls, £5852; 39 females, £3077.