British Simmental Review 2023

SIMMENTAL

2023

THE REVIEW

SIMMENTAL INTERBREED WINS

AT SUMMER & WINTER SHOWS

AHDB DATA CONFIRMS SIMMENTAL

CARCASE & MATERNAL STRENGTHS

46,000GNS LEADS

STRONG DEMAND

AT BULL SALES

NEW SIMMENTAL FEMALE

RECORD SET AT 32,000GNS

SIMMENTAL INTRODUCING

SINGLE STEP GENOMICS

www.britishsimmental.co.uk

Corskie Simmentals

SEMEN FOR

SALE

BEL DHU

CAPERCAILLIE

£35 + VAT per

straw

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Corskie Nutmeg – Sold in private deal to the Denzies herd for £32,000

SEMEN FOR

SALE

DIRNANEAN

BRADLEY

£35 + VAT per

straw

Junior Male, Reserve Overall Male and Interbreed Reserve Beef Breeder Champion at RHS 2023

Corskie Netflix

Sire – Auchorachan Hercules

Dam – Corskie Highness

1 rd Prize at Royal Highland Show 2023

Sold privately to the Blackford Herd

Corskie Miami

Sire – Rathnashan Kellogg’s

Dam – Corskie Hollywood (P)

Overall Junior Champion at Royal Highland Show 2023

6 animals out of our team of 7 received 1 st prizes at RHS2023

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Corskie Match

Sire – Drumnagarner Hughes

Dam – Corskie Intune

1 rd Prize Stirling February 2023

Sold for 13,000gns to AC Burke, Nether Stewerton, Eddleston

Corskie Naqus

Sire – Drumnagarner Hughes

Dam – Corskie Klarsach

2 ND Prize Stirling October 2023

Sold for 14,000gns to the Arkland Herd

Contact: Iain Green: 07831808800 / 01343 870387

Or email: iain@wjjgreen.co.uk or laura@wjjgreen.co.uk

Check out our website: www.corskiesimmentals.co.uk

Find us on Facebook for the latest news: Corskie Farm

2 | www.britishsimmental.co.uk

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The Review 2023 | 3

ISLAVALE

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ISLAVALE PEACHES,

OVERALL JUNIOR

CHAMPION AT

STARS OF THE

FUTURE AND

NXTGEN 3 SELLING

FOR 9000GNS

ISLAVALE NEWTON SOLD

FOR 13000GNS STIRLING

OCTOBER 2023

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GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO PURCHASED AN ISLAVALE ANIMAL IN 2023

Classified herd with over 50 Ex Classified Cows

YOUNG STOCK, SEMEN AND EMBRYOS

FOR SALE FROM ALL OUR TOP SIRES

TEL: 01542 870644 or Stewart: 07779 782777


4 ½ Star Performance

Recorded Herd

Members of

Hi-Health

VISITORS

WELCOME

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The Review 2023 | 5

THE REVIEW 2023

CONTENTS

Society Staff................................................................................................ 08

10

28

President’s Message ................................................................................ 08

Council Members...................................................................................... 09

News.......................................................................................................10-18

Open Days............................................................................................ 19-21

Popes Farm Feature............................................................................24-27

44

Virtual Simmental Show....................................................................28-32

British Genetics meeting huge Chinese demand....................... 36-37

Technical...............................................................................................40-47

Top 20 Sires.................................................................................................54

Golden Cow ...............................................................................................55

Simmental Young Members ............................................................56-57

Welcome to New Members ....................................................................59

Farewell to Dear Friends .................................................................. 60-63

2023 Show Reports..........................................................................67-105

Regional Clubs.................................................................................108-111

21

Regional Club Area Officers..................................................................112

Overhill House Farm Feature.......................................................114-117

2023 Show, Sale & Event Dates........................................................... 118

2023 Sale Reports...........................................................................119-145

36

Semen for Private Sale........................................................................... 147

Membership & Registration Fees................................................150-151

Advertising Index..................................................................................... 152

110


67

24

135

18

119

14

108

75

The Review 2023 | 7

2023

Annual

Review

No. 44

SOCIETY STAFF

Iain Kerr

iain@britishsimmental.co.uk

THERE’S MORE

TO SIMMENTAL

Find us on social media

@britishsimmental

@britishsimms

bscs2017

Rachel Foley

rachel@britishsimmental.co.uk

Nicky Moreton

nicky@britishsimmental.co.uk

Claire Ward

General: 02476 696513

claire@britishsimmental.co.uk

Registrations: 0800 505 3954

Monday – Thursday: 9am – 5pm

Friday: 9am – 3pm

Email:

information@britishsimmental.co.uk

www.britishsimmental.co.uk

British Simmental Cattle Society

NAC

Stoneleigh Park

Warwickshire

CV8 2LG

Welcome to the 2023 Review as we

reflect on what has been a strong

year of performance, across so

many fronts, for the Simmental breed in the

United Kingdom. Highlighting the year has

been a series of record averages and strong

clearances at the sales; increased total sales

gross; increased pedigree registrations

for the second consecutive year; a welter

of interbreed successes at summer and

winter shows; and independently verified

data confirming the industry leading added

value and efficiency of Simmental cattle.

It’s been quite a year!

Sales are by far the best indicator of the

commercial relevance of a breed and its

position in the beef industry. To this end,

and for the second year in a row, we can

take great confidence from the record

averages set at all three Stirling sales in the

year, and with further breed record marks

set at both Aberdeen and Carlisle. In the

Society’s most recent survey, the breed

received a very strong 94% approval rate

from commercial buyers who confirmed

that they would purchase further Simmental

bulls. Prior to the autumn sales, National

Beef Evaluation (NBE) data over ten years,

clearly showed there’s more to Simmental:

industry leading at age at slaughter whether

sired by a Simmental or out of a Simmental

dam; a significant reduction in finishing

costs; and lower emissions meeting

environmental changes. In addition to the

breed's well recognised maternal qualities,

further NBE data, highlighted in this Review,

evidences the breed’s industry strengths

in such as age at first calving, longevity

and fertility, and calf survival. In a cost

conscious industry beef producers have

choices in their purchases. The increased

demand for Simmental bulls and breeding

females across the sales I think is indicative

of the ever increasing recognition of the

Simmental breeds ability to add value,

efficiency and profitability to commercial

herds.

I would congratulate the breeders on

the quality of Simmental cattle they are

producing at the point of sale and would

again encourage rigorous selection and

the use of performance technologies to

enhance improvements. The forward

industry will have its challenges and

we know that such as farm and suckler

payments, and grading systems, may

well be linked to carbon savings; beef

sustainability; improved genetics;

benchmarking and efficiency. The verified

industry data shows the Simmental breed is

very well placed to meet these challenges.

As a Society we are working hard to provide

the progressive balance of herdbook,

promotional, research, and technical

services. In the 2024 year in addition to

core work we will be introducing Single

Step genomics to increase EBV accuracies

and open up research possibilities, and will

also be looking to introduce an ecommerce

semen site to professionally market

Simmental genetics and grow the reach of

the breed. These added value initiatives are

all with the aim of building a platform to

future proof the Simmental breed and the

Society.

I hope that you enjoy the 2023 Simmental

Review.

Norman Robson

BSCS President


COUNCIL

MEMBERS 2024

Mr Norman Robson, President & World

Simmental Federation Representative

Northern Ireland

106 Cogrey Road, Doagh, Ballyclare, County

Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT39 0PX

Tel: 02893 352348 Mobile: 07968 814182

Email: norman@kilbridefarm.co.uk

Mr Chris Martindale, Vice President &

Chairman Of Finance

Midlands

Coedfa, Mount Bradford Lane, St Martins, Owestry,

Shropshire, SY11 3HQ

Tel: 01691 772266 Mobile: 07801 184368

Email: chris.martindale42@icloud.com

Mr Michael Durno, Chair of Shows and

Sales North

Scotland

Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Banffshire,

AB37 9DN

Tel: 01807 590213 Mobile: 07718 467868

Email: michaeldurno@gmail.com

Mr John Barlow, Chairman of Shows &

Sales South

Four Oaks, Ulnes Walton Lane, NR Leyland,

Lancashire, PR26 8LT

Mob: 07850 602679

Email: jbarlow9530@googlemail.com

Richard Rodgers

Northern Ireland

13 Race Road, Portglenone, Co Antrim BT44 8EP

Tel: 02825 8205480 Mobile: 07712 894727

Email: radrodgers@btinternet.com

Richard Pettit

Scotland

The Den, Den Farm, Fochabers,

Morayshire IV32 7PQ

Mobile: 07739 079403

Email: rmspettit71@gmail.com

Mr Andrew Clarke

Northern Ireland

19 Breaghey Road, Tynan, Co Armagh, Northern

Ireland BT60 4SU

Tel: 02837 568669 Mobile: 07756 021706

Email: andrewclarke90@hotmail.co.uk

Mr Adrian Ivory

Scotland

Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie,

Perthshire, PH12 8RF

Tel: 01828 640227 Mobile: 07711 288346

Email: adrian@strathislafarms.com

Mr Dafydd Jones

Wales

Maesllymystn, Foel, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0NX

Tel: 01938 820231 Mobile: 07717 683353

Email: dafydd1984@aol.com

Mr Richard Storer Smith

Midlands

Spath Farm House, Ashbourne Road, Uttoxeter,

Staffordshire ST14 5AP

Tel: 01889 563200 Mobile: 07508 403333

Email: info@storersmithsimmentals.co.uk

Rob Evans

Midlands

Kington Grange Farm, Kington Lane, Claverdon,

Warwickshire CV35 8PW

Mob: 07747 773815

Email: rob@wroxallsimmentals.co.uk

Mr Barrie Wynter

Cornwall

Bolankin Farm, Crows-An-Wra, St Buryan,

Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6HY

Tel: 01736 810787 Mobile: 07590 501096

Email: brwynter@outlook.com

The Review 2023 | 9

NEWS

BRITISH SIMMENTAL PEDIGREE REGISTRATIONS AND

SALES INCREASE FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

• Official Simmental Society Sales in the Year Gross £2,091,406, up by £87,479

The upsurge in performance for British Simmental saw pedigree

registrations and birth notifications increase for a second year

in a row. In the figures released by the British Simmental Cattle

Society for the pedigree registration year of 1 st August 2022 to 31 st

July 2023, the overall total was 7633 up by 245 and representative of

a 3.3% increase.

Going hand in hand with these figures another strong year of Official

Society Pedigree Simmental in the same period saw a sales gross

of £2,091,406, up by £87,479 (4.35%) on the year. The strong sales

demand for both bulls and females saw a number of new breed

record marks set in the year and including at Stirling, Carlisle, and

Aberdeen. The sales at Stirling in October 2022, February 2023, and

May 2023 all saw breed record averages attained for these fixtures.

Stirling in February 2023 was the highest grossing sale with 97 bulls

averaging a new February record of £7,260, up £425 on the year. The

sale in October at Stirling saw a new Simmental breed record all-sale

average of £7,559 for 45 bulls, up by £1,597 on the year, and up by

£734 on the previous sale record mark. At the second staging of

the establishing Next Generation Sale of Females & Weaned Calves

at Carlisle in December a top price of 18,000gns was attained, with

heifer averages of £5202, up by £806 on the year. Both the top price

and heifer average were new breed centre records.

This further increase in pedigree registrations, combined with the

demand at the point of sale was again welcomed by the Society’s

President Norman Robson, Kilbride Farm, Ballyclare who said:

“There’s a real forward industry emphasis by beef producers on

the efficiencies and value that Simmental genetics can deliver.

The Simmental’s benchmark is their milk fertility, calving ease,

temperament, and abilities to rear a fast-growing calf without creep

feeding. Add in that AHDB data continues to show the breed as

the number one continental breed for age at slaughter, and it just

collectively highlights that adding Simmental genetics gives you

super maternal performance and top-class carcass traits.”

Commenting further he went on to say: “In the course of the year

reported we conducted a wide-ranging survey of Simmental bull

buyers, and we were delighted that the breed received a 94%

approval rate from commercial buyers who confirmed that they

would purchase further Simmental bulls. I’d like to congratulate

breeders for the quality of stock they are bringing forward and would

urge everyone to keep placing an emphasis on breeding selection

and improvement.”

*The strong run of sales continued spectacularly into autumn 2023

with record averages, and a new breed record for both a bull and

a female set at Stirling in October. The Next Generation III Sale

in December also saw a new centre record price and sale record

average for maiden heifers. Check out the sales section later in this

Review.


NEWS

ISLAVALE JABBA THE 2023

SIMMENTAL ‘CHAMPION OF

EUROPE’

• Pistyll Nightrider takes Reserve Championship as UK

Simmental genetics feature strongly

It was a massive well done to Gavin Brown of the Springfield

Simmental herd, Springfield Farm, Penicuik who won the 2023

Simmental Champion of Europe with his herd stock bull Islavale

Jabba. The European Championship is held within the ‘Simmental

Champion of the World Competition’ run by the Texas, USA based

Simmental Breeder. With British Simmental genetics very much to

the fore, the Reserve Championship was won by the young bull

Pistyll Nightrider from Welsh breeders GA & HM Francis, Pistyll Uchaf,

Abergorlech, Carmarthen.

Islavale Jabba.

Pistyll Nightrider.

With a growing track record in this event, the Champion of Europe

award was a second in a row, and the fourth time in five years it has

been won by British Simmental breeders. Last year it was Drumsleed

Legacy 20 from Gerald and Morag Smith, Fordoun, Laurencekirk,

with previous wins for Lisglass Goldstar from Gordon Clark, Cupar,

Fife in 2020, and prior to that Heathbrow Important from David and

Lesley Sapsed, Herts in 2019.

May 2018 born, Islavale Jabba was purchased for 6000gns in 2020

from breeders WS Stronach & Son, Berryleys, Keith, Banffshire, and

his first bulls at Stirling last year averaged 5000gns, with a good

run of heifers levelling at 4500gns. Jabba also stood Senior Male

Champion at this year’s Scottish National Simmental Show whilst

a son, Springfield Neptune, won the Reserve Supreme & Senior

Championship at the Simmental Youngstock Show held at Carlisle at

the end of October.

Commenting a delighted Gavin Brown said: “We are over the moon

with the result. In this online competition Islavale Jabba has been

judged on his presence and by breeders from different parts of the

world who will have different takes on the values of the Simmental

breed in terms of colour, fleshing, and muscle definition. So to be

picked out as Champion from all of these entrants is very special.”

The Reserve European Champion, the May 2022 born Pistyll

Nightrider is by the noted Team Celtic and is out of Pistyll Frances

VG87, a Brookwood Alla King daughter. Earlier this summer Pistyll

Nightrider won the Simmental Male Championship at the Royal

Welsh Show.

The Simmental judges for the ‘Champion of Europe’ award consisted

of Flávio Montenegro Alves (Brazil): Fred Dell (South Africa): Dominik

Matti (Switzerland): and Deanne & Rob Young (Canada).

Advertise your animals

for sale online today!

View all animals available for sale, including pictures,

links to their pedigrees, any accompanying notes,

and the contact details of the owner breeders.

www.simmentalmarket.co.uk

The Review 2023 | 11

NEWS

CORSKIE NUTMEG SOLD

FOR £32,000 TO THE

DENIZES HERD

• £32,000 is the third highest price paid for a

Simmental bull in the UK

Late in the summer Corskie Nutmeg, the January 2022 born bull

from WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers, was sold

privately for £32,000 to the Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons,

Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. At the 2023 Royal Highland Show

in June, Corskie Nutmeg put himself firmly in the shop window

when winning the Simmental Junior Male Championship; Reserve

Overall Male; and Reserve Overall Junior; and before going on to win

Reserve Overall in the Beefbreeder Interbreed. Immediately catching

the ring side eye of John Barlow, an approach to the Green family

was made and after a few days discussion and consideration the deal

was done.

With a breeding connectivity to the 45,000gns Bel Dhu Capercaillie,

purchased by the Greens in 2013, Capercaillie is the sire of Corksie

Nutmeg’s dam, Corskie Jasmine EX92. Jasmine’s classification of

EX92 is the highest ranking a third-calving female can attain.

Commenting on the purchase John Barlow said, “Corskie Nutmeg

just had that x-factor and we couldn’t miss the opportunity.

Nutmeg’s got length, power, muscle, with a real sweetness and style,

and is full of breeding. We have Denizes Hamish, Saltire Impressive,

and Coose Gambler as stock bulls and all bringing something

different to the herd. Nutmeg adds to that and we’re excited about

the prospect of him clicking with these other lines. He’s very much a

purchase to take that next step for the future of the Denizes herd.”

£32,000 Corskie Nutmeg.

Corskie Nutmeg is sired by the herd’s stock bull Kilbride Farm Haka

who the Greens purchased for 10,000gns at Stirling in 2018. The

herd enjoyed a ‘stellar’ 2023 Royal Highland Show that saw them win

six classes and a host of Championship titles. Speaking of the private

sale Laura Green said, “In going to the Highland we had no thought

of selling Nutmeg and the plan was very much to use him within the

herd and on females that we felt he would really click with. John

approached us at the show and there was also significant subsequent

interest from a number of breeders. We’re really delighted that he’s

going to a renowned herd like Denizes. Everyone at Corskie wishes

Michael and John all the best with him and very much look forward

to seeing his progeny in due course.”

For the noted 180-cow Corskie herd the £32,000 was their top sale

price received to date and eclipsing the 25,000gns mark attained for

Corskie Gingersnap in 2016.

£10,500 INCHEOCH NIKO PP LEADS ‘WORKING GENES’ SALE

The Working Genes on-farm sale of tups and bulls at Incheoch

Farms, Alyth, Blairgowrie in September saw buyers favouring

the eight homozygous polled Simmental bulls on offer. The sale

leader at a cracking £10,500 was Incheoch Niko PP, a dark red son

of Kyleston Iceman P, and out of Incheoch Kalypso K7 P, an Auroch

Deuter daughter. Carrying high end performance figures this March

2022 born bull is in the breed’s top 1% for Calving Ease; and the top

5% for Gestation Length; Maternal (Milk); Terminal Production Index;

and Self Replacing Index.

Purchasing this overall package of phenotype; polled; pedigree; and

performance figures was Mr WS Stronach for the noted Islavale herd,

Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. Commenting Stewart Stronach said:

“We have been keeping an eye out for a polled bull and are delighted

to have bought Incheoch Niko PP. In visiting Incheoch prior to the

sale we saw the bull and also his dam, and grand dam and he’s bred

from really good female lines. As well as being homozygous polled

he has top end figures including milk which is always an important

trait for us to maintain in the herd. At Stirling Bull Sales we have had

an increasing interest from buyers in polled Simmentals. Incheoch

Niko PP will give us that opportunity to introduce polled genetics into

some of the herd’s female lines, and we’re very pleased to have him.”

£10,500 Incheoch Niko PP.

Three Simmental bulls made £5600 and overall, 12 paddock-reared

Simmental bulls sold to level at £5258.


NEWS

SUPER TASTY SIMMENTAL

BEEF ON SALE AT THE

ROYAL HIGHLAND!

A

summer highlight in 2023 was to see ‘super tasty’ hot

Simmental Roast Beef rolls doing a roaring trade at this year's

Royal Highland Show. The fully breed liveried catering outlet

was run by husband and wife team Celia Rymond & Roger Miles and

through their Drovers Way Ltd catering company which is based in

Atherstone, Warwickshire.

Over the four days of the show there was a constant queue for the

melt in your mouth, tasty, tender beef rolls from the stand based on

one of the show’s prime thoroughfares. Just over seventy percent

of the Simmental topsides of beef were supplied by JC McLaren and

Partners noted Dargill Simmentals, Crieff, Perthshire, through ABP

Perth, and with other suppliers including: D& J Smith; WJ Irving & Co;

D&J Peebles; and John Duff & Son.

A long association with the Simmental breed was first established

in 1980 between Alan Rymond, the founder of Drovers Way and

Celia’s father, and with the encouragement of then BSCS Breed

Secretary David Gaunt, along with former BSCS President Willie Allan

of the Glenturk herd. 1991 saw the launch of what became the very

popular Simmental Beef stand at the Royal Show, opened by Lord

Henry Plumb, and with the height of the Simmental promotion very

much being during the 1980s and through the 1990s.

The costs of catering concessions at events, and such as Covid

have brought their challenges but Drovers Way have enjoyed a

continuous presence at the Royal Highland Show to the present

‘TENDER AND SUCCULENT’

SIMMENTAL STEAK WINS AT

THE HIGHLAND

Firming up its eating quality credentials, Simmental steaks took

first and third at the prestigious Tesco Sirloin Steak competition

held in conjunction with Kepak MacIntosh Donald, at the 2023

Royal Highland Show.

The winning entry came from first-time exhibitor Eric Scott, Mains of

Kindrought, Strichen with a 382kg, 25-month Simmental cross heifer

which graded at R4L, and which was bred by W&A Oag, Scrabster

Farm, Caithness. In all the competition saw a mighty 160 entrants

from across Scotland, with all of the sirloins matured for 30 days after

being processed at the Portlethen site.

Whittled down to a final twelve, the sirloins were selected as part

of the Tesco Finest range and preliminary judged by the company’s

technical manager Max Tooley, who said all entries were ”fantastic”

examples of Scotch beef. Five judges in all then presided at the

Highland and including the Chair of Quality Meat Scotland Kate

Rowell, and previous winner Noel Gall from Mintlaw. The steaks were

judged on appearance, taste, tenderness and succulence. An added

Celia Rymond at Highland 2023.

day. Commenting, Celia Rymond said: “We’ve always enjoyed

being at Ingliston and the RHASS has always been eager to

promote, provenance, and highlight the Scottish food sold. In our

opinion Simmental beef really is superior quality and feedback was

overwhelmingly positive again as it always is at the Highland. For

many years we were led to believe we were amongst the highest

grossing catering stands at the Show.”

Of the future Celia went on to say: “We have enjoyed working with

the Society over the decades and looking ahead we would like

to continue what has been a very happy relationship.” A super

Simmental all-round promotion and very much a stand to look out

for at the 2024 Royal Highland Show!

Eric Scott, centre, receiving his award at the Royal Highland.

element saw the producers also interviewed on sustainability, animal

health and welfare, and with this also included in the scoring.

With Simmental steaks very much to the fore, third place in the

competition went to J and AF Davidson, Tarbothill, Bridge of Don,

who entered a nearly 18-month Simmental steer weighing 398kg,

grading R4L.

Commenting, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager

Iain Kerr said: “A huge well done to Eric Scott for winning this highquality

competition, and to the Davidsons for coming third, both

with Simmental steaks. The Simmental breed is well recognised for

its maternal traits, growth, and leading age at slaughter qualities, it’s

great to see it now again be judged top of the tree in this competition

for tasty, tender, succulent steaks!”


NEWS

EFFICIENCY AND PERFORMANCE OF SIMMENTAL TO THE

FORE AT DALSWINTON’S 2023 SCOTTISH BEEF EVENT

The 2023 Scottish Beef Event in June at Dalswinton Estate,

Dumfries highlighted efficiency and profitable beef production

in practise from Dalswinton’s 550-cow suckler herd, and

with more than a few Simmental breed highlights. On the trailer

tours Angus cows with Simmental calves at foot featured and were

much commented upon for their quality and growth. The majority

of Simmental calves on the day were sired by Boswell Lawyer, a

Wolfstar Gordy son purchased at Stirling in February 2022.

Carrying on the efficiency theme, the Simmental promotional stand

featured two Simmental X bulls kindly supplied by Clive and Harry

Houldey, Manor Park, Lockerbie. One of these bulls weighed in at

695kgs at 11-months-old and with a DLWG of 1.97kgs! Highlighting

growth, weight for age, and age at slaughter, the carcase attributes

and profit potential of these bulls, destined for Borderway Market,

Carlisle, was a talking point of the day and a great breed promotion.

Situated alongside the Simmental stand was a quality SimLuing from

Andrew McNee with a cracking Charolais calf at foot. The SimLuing

continues to grow in popularity as a hardy, long living, easy care

female, with good forage conversion. The Simmental stand was busy

throughout with interested commercial producers and making for a

productive and enjoyable day.

Picture credit Isla Campbell.

WILLIAM, PRINCE OF WALES PRESENTS

TROPHY TO FINLAY SOUTTER

In July it was a massive well done to young

Simmental breeder Finlay Soutter (17), Yew

Tree Farm, Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire

who carried all before him to win the Royal

Norfolk’s prestigious Young Handler competition.

Presenting the trophy to Finlay, in front of a truly

packed ring side crowd was William, Prince of

Wales! Commenting Finlay said: “First of all it’s a

great honour to have won the Champion Young

Handler award. To do that and have the trophy

presented by Prince William is just really special

and a memory I’ll never forget. Prince William

was so easy to talk to. He asked me how old

Brandane Millie was and also just generally about

the Simmental breed.” It was a stellar debut show

year for Finlay and his heifer Brandane Millie and

check out their achievements in the show section

of this Review.

Picture credit Adrian Legge.


NEWS

4,400GNS DRUMAGARNER MICHELLE TOPS MAY

SWATRAGH SALE

The in-calf heifer Drumagarner Michelle from

Mr M & Mr E McCloskey, Kilrea, Coleraine

sold for 4,400gns to lead a strong trade

for Simmental females at the Northern Ireland

Simmental Club’s May Sale held at Swatragh

Livestock Market, Maghera. June 2021 born,

Drumagarner Michelle is by Curaheen Dickens,

and is out of Drumagarner Gayle, a Drumagarner

Eden daughter. Sold PD’d in calf to the noted

Curaheen Drifter, Drumagarner Michelle was

purchased at the day’s top price of 4400gns

by Mr K Stubbs for his 20-cow Drumbulcan

pedigree herd at Whitfield Farm, Co Fermanagh. A

tremendous day’s trading for the McCloskeys saw

them take five out of the top six female sale prices

and with six Drumagarner heifers averaging £3016.

Female Champion Drumagarner Michelle 4,400gns

5,000GNS ASHLAND

LUCY NORA

LEADS OCTOBER

SWATRAGH SALE

There was strong trade at the Ni Simmental

Club Show and Sale for both pedigree bulls

and females as well as commercial females

held at Swatragh Livestock Market in October.

Champion on the night was Robgill Neptune,

bred by the Farrell Family, Dromore, County

Tyrone. This May 2022 born young bull is a son

of Newbiemains Interceptor and is out of Robgill

Olivia. He was purchased for 4,500gns by Barry

Chambers, for his Shanehill Simmental herd at

Portadown. Ashland Lucy Nora, bred by Pat Kelly,

Tempo was the Overall Female Champion and

made the top price of 5,000gns. This April 2022

heifer is entirely homebred being by Ashland

Legacy 20, a Woodhall Ferrari son, and is out of

the Atlow Dixon daughter Ashland Lucy Kay. The

top price was purchased by Peter Murtagh, Newry,

Co Down. Commercial females also sold well with

lots reaching top prices of £2,100 from Eamon

McCloskey. Nevin Smith was also successful,

making £1,950 and another entry from Eamon

McCloskey making £1,900.

Overall Champion Robgill Neptune 4,500gns.

Female Champion Ashland Lucy Nora 5,000gns.

Find us on social media @britishsimmental @britishsimms bscs2017


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NEWS

EUROPEAN SIMMENTAL

BREEDERS WELCOMED

TO STIRLING

Playing a big part in a busy but successful few days

at Stirling in October, was the visit of some fifty

plus European Simmental breeders from Austria;

Germany; Switzerland; Denmark; Ireland; and Italy. Over

three days the group visited the Springfield herd of Gavin

Brown, Penicuik, Midlothian; the Wolfstar herd of the

King family, Ormiston, East Lothian; and the Strathisla

herd of Adrian Ivory, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, before

returning to United Auctions to watch the pre-sale show

of bulls. During the herd visits BSCS President Norman

Robson, BSCS Council member Robin Boyd, and the

Society’s General Manager, Iain Kerr represented the UK

and gave a presentation on the British beef industry and

the general dynamics of British Simmental development,

at a meeting of the European Simmental Beef Working

Group. The bull sale itself ‘wowed’ the visiting delegates

and with the Heathbrow Sale seeing export sales to both

Germany and Ireland. Commenting, ESF Beef Working

Group Chairman Hedwig Strobl said: “It was a super visit

and two really impressive sales. This was an experience

for the breeders from the ESF countries that will be

remembered for a long time.”

European Simmental breeders at Springfield Farm.

The European Group also visited the Wolfstar Herd.

A BIG ‘THANK YOU’ TO ROBIN BOYD

AND STEWART STRONACH

At the Society’s AGM at Stirling in October, both Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Farm,

Portglenone, Co Antrim, and Stewart Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith, Banffshire

received a presentation from the current BSCS President Norman Robson to mark

their time on Council and with both having served terms as Society President. Robin

Boyd held the office in 2017-2018, with Stewart Stronach being the immediate past

President having been in office in the Society’s 50 th anniversary year 2020, and until

2021. Speaking at the AGM, Norman Robson said: “On behalf of all Society members

I’d like to extend a warm thank you to Robin and Stewart for their service to the Society,

members, and the Simmental breed. Both have worked selflessly with tremendous

integrity, and their periods of Presidency were ones of great distinction. We extend

a huge thank you to both and we know that they will continue to be fantastic

ambassadors for the Simmental breed.”

Pictured at Stirling, and from right to left are: Norman

Robson, BSCS President; Stewart Stronach; Robin

Boyd; and Chris Martindale, BSCS Vice President.

TOWIEMORE FEMALES IN BIG DEMAND

Through the year we reported on the commercial demand for Simmental females

across the UK. A highlight within this was Aberdeen and Northern Marts sale of 227

head of adult breeding cattle at Thainstone in May. Featuring strongly throughout

the sale was the Smith family at Towiemore Farm, Keith, Banffshire who had a number of

Simmental heifers and cows with calves at foot well over the £4000 mark and topping at

£4350. In all 90 Towiemore females, almost all Simmental, averaged a remarkable £3543!


OPEN DAYS 2023

Spring Farm, Ballymena

20 th May, by kind permission of

James McKane & Family, Co Antrim

In association with

regional clubs, the

Society was delighted

to hold three Farm

Open Days in 2023.

The aim of each was

to showcase the

working abilities and

good economics

of Simmental cattle

through the milk and

maternal, and terminal

traits that they are

renowned for. Here’s

a pictorial flashback to

each of the days.


Mixbury Hall, Northants

1 st June, by kind permission of Vernon & Jon Bailey,

Near Brackley, Northants


Brodieshill Farm, Inverness

8 th July, by kind permission of Colin and Robert Manson,

Brodieshill Farm, Forres


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Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6BJ

Tel: 01747 861879

Mob: 07974 260579

Email: dintonsimmentals@btinternet.com

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Members of the Premium Cattle Health Scheme

Visitors Always Welcome

Contact Jonathan 07949 975241 or Joanne 07867 698349

Mavsey, Lybster, Caithness, Highlands, KW3 6AS

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CONTACT JEFF & VIV HALL, CHEGWIDDEN FARM, ST LEVAN, PENZANCE, TR19 6LP

Tel: 01736 810516 Mob: 07831834013 Email: halls@chegwiddenfarm.com


‘BREEDING

THE BEST’

SIMMENTALS TO FIT ALL SYSTEMS

With a firm eye to the future and the role the Simmental breed

has to play, here we feature the Lancashire based Wood family

with their high profile 50-cow Popes pedigree herd, and their

fresh meat wholesale business, Bowland Foods.


Whilst Simmental has a distinguished past, the

breed has an even bigger job lined up for

the future, says Vikki Wood. “An increasing

number of commercial producers are becoming

aware that Simmental will introduce more milk and

subsequently faster growth to a suckler herd; that’s

massive and there’s no other breed which can achieve

that.

“In fact, Simmental bred cattle have been proven*

to be the most efficient in terms of reduced days to

slaughter and reduced finishing costs which can only

mean one thing – more profit and in turn, a more

efficient and sustainable enterprise with a lower

carbon footprint,” she explains. “That’s not all, modern

Simmental genetics are leaving easy fleshed cattle

producing high quality beef.”

Simmental bred cattle

have been proven* to be

the most efficient in terms of

reduced days to slaughter and

reduced finishing costs”

Vikki speaks from experience, not only from farming

with her husband, Jimmy and managing the noted

Lancashire based Popes pedigree Simmental herd

but also sharing with him a combined eight decades

of procuring cattle for their fresh meat wholesale

business, Bowland Foods. The businesses are very

much a family affair, with their son Harry 30 years, and

daughter Hannah 26, involved in both.

“We instinctively know which live cattle when hung

up will meet our customers’ requirements, and

Simmental genetics have a role to play.”

Since the Woods established their wholesale meat

businesses, it has grown exponentially to currently

employ an 80 strong team weekly sourcing up to

450 cattle, 800 pigs and 1,000 lambs to supply

independent butchers shops, catering butchers and

other outlets with carcases and a complete range of

cuts. Killing is off site, while the family’s Preston based

operation is currently expanding its cutting room

capacity. “Regardless of the trends towards reduced

meat in the diet, demand for quality meat is on the up

as far as we’re concerned,” she says.

FARM FACTS Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston

• 400 acres grassland

• 150 pedigree Beltex and Texel ewes

• 50 pedigree Simmental breeding

cows plus replacements

• 2.75 years age at first calving

• 90% + calves reared

• 9 to 10 calf crops


Turning the clock back to the 1980s, and the

Woods were also starting their farming career from

scratch with a beef finishing enterprise supplying

Bowland Foods.

“We decided we would like to establish a pedigree

herd that would offer downtime, one that we

could enjoy, and get some pleasure out of.

As finishers, we’d had

experience of most

Continental breeds; Simmental

became our first choice, it was

the breed that was the most

affable...”

“As finishers, we’d had experience of most

Continental breeds; Simmental became our first

choice, it was the breed that was the most affable.

Since I was responsible for the farm’s day-to-day

management, the Simmental’s quiet temperament

was the biggest deciding factor.” The couple

established the Popes herd in 1988, and the rest is

history.

From L-R: Team Wood: Vikki, Hannah, Harry & Jimmy with Heathbrow Natasha.

“We were lucky to get the opportunity to invest in

strong female lines at a few dispersal sales,” she

explains. “Cloford, Greenside, Misarden, Sterling,

Tintoside and Revlex provided some of the

foundation genetics with Tintoside Nellys Wonder

leaving the biggest influence with up to 50% of the

current herd descending from her.

“We’ve since continued to focus on selecting

female traits – milk and calving ease supported by

EBVs, while our cattle have to demonstrate good

locomotion, growth and easy fleshing, something

to catch the eye and proven from a good strong

cow family. We’ve accelerated genetic progress by

introducing some of our leading brood females to

a flushing programme.


“We quite simply want to breed the best and

make sure we’re able to supply other herds

with the right genetics to fit their jigsaw. Bulls

sold through the ring or at home go off to

do a job in both pedigree and commercial

herds, and we currently have three standing

at Cogent stud. Females have to be correct

to produce the next generation for us and for

other pedigree herds,” she says adding: “We’re

always looking to renew and refresh the herd’s

genetics with a different line.”

The Woods kept their word digging deep

last year to invest 32,000gns in Heathbrow

Natasha, an 18-month-old maiden heifer.

The price tag was a new female breed record.

“We’d been following her success in the

show ring which culminated in the reserve

junior championship at the Great Yorkshire.

We considered she had everything we would

look for in a female. She was a striking, fleshy

well-balanced heifer and full of femininity,”

says Jimmy.

To the future, and Simmental is guaranteed to

have a firm future at Popes Farm after Hannah

invested 9,000gns at the same dispersal in

Heathbrow Melody, an in-calf heifer. “I’m

establishing my own herd and Melody is my

foundation female which I selected for her

breeding; she is half-sister to Natasha and I

am hoping that she will breed as well as her

mother.

My overall objective

is to establish a polled

herd,” she says. “The demand

for polled cattle is ever

increasing due to easier

management and welfare

issues. I plan to offer animals

to supply that growing

commercial and pedigree

demand.”

“Simmental has proved for

over three decades to be a

great breed to work with, it’s

introduced us to a lot of people

and we’ve made some good

friends located throughout the

UK and beyond. The herd has

had a very successful show

career and we’ve loved every

minute of it.”

The Popes herd has amassed

countless red rosettes and

ribbons and a glittering array of

silverware. Acknowledging its

most outstanding accolades,

the Woods say top of the

league table has to be Stirling

where it has headed the

junior, intermediate and

senior sections before going

on to secure the overall

championship.

The herd has also lifted

the interbreed at both the

Great Yorkshire and Royal

Welsh along with reserve

interbreed beef at the Royal.

In 2023 Popes Princess Immie

secured both the breed’s

English and Scottish National

championships. “There’s only

one major title we’ve yet to

crack and that’s the Royal

Highland, and we’re going to

give it our best shot,” says Vikki.

*AHDB National Beef Evaluations based on

records from over three million animals

slaughtered during the last 10 years.


BRITISH SIMMENTAL

2023 VIRTUAL SHOW

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD

VALE ROYAL ANNIE

WINS 2023 SIMMENTAL

VIRTUAL SHOW

• Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P) is Overall Reserve

• 2023 competition sees 431 entries over six classes

Overall Champion & Female Champion -Vale Royal Annie.

After some six weeks of online judging through July

and August, and with 431 animals entered from 81

pedigree breeders all over the United Kingdom, the

2023 Simmental Virtual Show Championship was won

by the eleven-year-old cow Vale Royal Annie from James

Arnold, Tarporley, Cheshire. Mr Arnold has now won this

fledgling but high-profile competition, the UK’s largest

online pedigree show, twice in its four-year history having

won the inaugural event with Vale Royal Heavenly Girlie

in 2020.


Male Champion & Overall Reserve - Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P)

The Simmental Virtual Show was started as a ‘bit of fun’ during Covid

lockdown but its popularity has seen it grow into one of the most

anticipated and highlight Simmental show events of the year. This

year’s event has seen 431 animals entered over the six classes, up by

145 on last year. In the four years of the event the Simmental Virtual

Show has seen in excess of an incredible 2200 pedigree Simmentals

entered.

Vale Royal Annie initially prevailed from a tremendous class of

92 Cows-in-milk, judged by Bridget Olds of the Bosahan herd,

Falmouth, Cornwall, before securing the Female Championship

from the section judge John Barlow of the Denizes herd, Nr Leyland,

Lancs. In the Supreme Championship, judged by David Lowry of the

noted Keeldrum Herd, Newsteadings Farm, Lanark, she went headto-head

with the Male Champion Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P) from

WH Robson & Sons, Doagh, Ballyclare, before duly being announced

as the winner.

Commenting, David Lowry said:

Vale Royal Annie is just a

tremendous example of the

Simmental breed. She’s eleven-years-old and

in the picture she just retains such a

freshness, and is full of breed character and

femininity. Annie has an excellent top line on

her, lovely balanced body, a tremendous

udder for her age and looks to be standing on

a good set of legs. With nine calves to her

name she’s also a terrific example of the

longevity that is typical of Simmental females

and I think she’s a very worthy Supreme

Champion.”

2018 born, the Male Champion and Reserve Overall, Kilbride Farm

Jetstream 18 (P) is by the homozygous polled bull Sneumgaard

Imperator (PP), and is out of Kilbride Farm Dora 70F from one of the

herd’s noted cow families. Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P) won the

fifth class of this year’s show and which comprised of a huge quality

entry of 26 Senior Simmental Bulls judged by Alan Wilson of the

Bannhill herd, Dorans Hill, Newry. Moving into the Championships,

Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P) was awarded the Male Championship

by the section judge Stewart Stronach of the Islavale herd, Berryleys

Farm, Keith.

Of the Overall Reserve, David Lowry said: “Again, this is a terrific

Simmental bull. He’s just about five-years-old and is extremely

smart. He shows plenty of breed character with a good head, has

lovely fleshing with excellent muscling, and appears to be standing

on a good set of legs. Correct and square over the plates this is a

very modern type Simmental bull and who has come through some

very strong classes.”

For a delighted James Arnold, the Supreme Championship win was

also a poignant one as Annie’s mum Curaheen Annie was bought

as an 8-month-old heifer on his last trip away with his father (Hugo

Arnold of the noted Hockenhull herd). After the Championship

news was announced, James Arnold said: “It feels amazing to have

won this competition and for a second time. The Simmental Virtual

Show is great fun but the standard of entries this year has been

really top drawer. I’d like to congratulate all of the exhibitors who’ve

put on a fantastic promotion of the quality and potential in the

Simmental breed.”

Continuing he said, “Vale Royal Annie is an incredible cow. She’s

bred to every bull she’s been put to and has produced nine calves.

All bar one of her five bull calves have gone to pedigree breeders

and with arguably the best of the lot going to a commercial

producer. We sell them young due to our set up and in one instance

she bred a £10,000 bull sold to the Crowgey herd at 11-monthsold.

Her latest bull calf Vale Royal North Star was sold to the Bailey

family’s noted Mixbury Hall herd in Northamptonshire this year.

The aim from here is to keep providing this platform for breeders

large and small, in all geographies, to take part easily and showcase

their Simmental stock. The social media numbers watching the

show in 2023 were quite remarkable with the audience extending

well beyond the UK to cattle lovers from all round the globe. Look

out for the fifth staging of the Simmental Virtual Show in 2024!


CLASS 1

Bull calf born on or after 01/08/2022

1 st Kilbride Farm Norton 22 (P).

CLASS 1 RESULTS

Class name Placings Animal Owner Sire

Bull Calf born on or after 1 st

August 2022

1 st Kilbride Farm Norton 22 (P) W H Robson & Sons Flop Agrochyt

2 nd Lisglass Nugget 22 JL & CJ Weatherup Kilbride Farm Dragoon 12

3 rd Mixbury Hall Pioneer 23 Mr V C Bailey Tilbrook Frank 14

4 th Auchorachan Noble 22 (P) D & R Durno & Sons Auchorachan Hercules 16

5 th Omorga Nashville 22 HJW & JC Moore Denizes Hamish 16

CLASS 2 Heifer calf born on or after 01/08/2022

1 st Corskie Naitrin.

2 nd

2 nd Lisglass Nugget 22.

1 st

3 rd

3 rd Mixbury Hall Pioneer 23.

2 nd

2 nd Killiworgie Izzies Nelly.

1 st 3 rd

3 rd Mixbury Hall Patricia.

CLASS 2 RESULTS


Heifer Calf born on or after

1 st August 2022

1 st Corskie Naitrin WJ & J Green Drumagarner Hughes 16

2 nd Killiworgie Izzies Nelly SA Gummow Shacon Hannibal 16

3 rd Mixbury Hall Patricia Mr V C Bailey Tilbrook Frank 14

4 th Kilbride Farm Eunice 375P (P) WH Robson & Sons Hiltonstown Lachlan 20

5 th Corskie Nina WJ & J Green Kilbride Farm Haka 16


CLASS 3

Bull born on or between 01/01/2021 and 31/07/2022

1 st Auchorachan Neptune 22.

CLASS 3 RESULTS


Bull born between 1 st

January 2021 to 31 st July

2022

2 nd

2 nd Vale Royal North Star 22.

1 st

3 rd

3 rd Denizes Monty 21.

2 nd

2 nd Auchorachan Molly.

1 st 3 rd

1 st Auchorachan Neptune 22 J C Innes & Sons Auchorachan Hercules 16

2 nd Vale Royal North Star 22 V C Bailey Auchorachan Hercules 16

3 rd Denizes Monty 21 HJW & JC Moore & Mr P Murray Denizes Hamish 16

4 th Kilbride Farm Normandy 22 (P) WH Robson & Sons Sneumgaard Imperator (PP)

5 th Corskie Naqus 22 A H Smith Drumagarner Hughes 16

CLASS 4 Heifer born on or between 01/01/2021 and 31/07/2022

1 st Corskie Minette.

3 rd Corskie Musician.

CLASS 4 RESULTS


Heifer born between 1 st

January 2021 – 31 st July

2022

1 st Corskie Minette WJ & J Green Drumagarner Hughes 16

2 nd Auchorachan Molly D & R Durno Auchorachan Hercules 16

3 rd Corskie Musician WJ & J Green Rathnashan Kelloggs (ET) (P)

4 th Mixbury Hall Neptunite Mr J Arnold Sacombe Icarus 17

5 th Kilbride Farm Eunice 342M (PP) WH Robson & Sons Curaheen Gunshot (P)


CLASS 5

Senior bulls born on or before 01/01/2021

1 st Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P) .

CLASS 5 RESULTS


Bull born before 1 st January

2021

CLASS 6

1 st Vale Royal Annie.

1 st Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18 (P) WH Robson & Sons Sneumgaard Imperator (PP)

2 nd Cairnview Loyal 20 Reece & Andrew Simmers Woodhall Ferrari 14

3 rd Leeherd Legend 336 Jake Gregory Dermotstown G Mac

4 th Rathnashan Kelloggs (ET) (P) Mr WJ & Green Curaheen Gunshot (P)

5 th Corskie Jackpot 18 J Sinclair Gunn Dirnanean Bradley 10

Cow any age, In milk

2 nd

2 nd Cairnview Loyal 20.

1 st

3 rd

3 rd Leeherd Legend 336.

2 nd

2 nd Corskie Hiya VG86.

1 st 3 rd

3 rd Corskie Jasmine EX92.

CLASS 6 RESULTS


Cow any age, In milk 1 st Vale Royal Annie Mr J Arnold Hockenhull Matthew

2 nd Corskie Hiya VG86 Mr WJ & J Green Corskie Delboy 12

3 rd Corskie Jasmine EX92 Mr WJ & J Green Bel Dhu Capercaillie 11

4 th Corskie Heaven VG86 Mr WJ & J Green Dirnanean Bradley 10

5 th Killiworgie Exotic Rose EX94 Mrs SA Gummow Lakeside Warrior


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of your herd

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Aids strong bulling activity

Boosts cow health

Aids easy calving

Promotes calf development

Boosts calf vitality and immunity

Improves colostrum quality/quantity

Secure the future of your herd by giving your calves the best possible start in life.

Super Suckler is available in 25kg or 100kg buckets, or as powdered minerals or in cow rolls.

Speak to your Harbro specialist, or visit us instore.

www.harbro.co.uk

farming@harbro.co.uk


T E V I O T

S I M M E N T A L S

BY TOP PERFORMANCE

CANADIAN SIRE:

‘ANCHOR D RAPTOR’

NEW HERD SIRE: TEVIOT NORMAN

R H BELL & CO ROXBURGH MILL, KELSO | RORY: 07740697600 FINLAY: 07554554553


Junior Herd Sire:

Overhill House Neil

Sire: Islavale Heston

Dam: Overhill House India

Neil was overall junior champion at

the prestigious Stars of the Future

calf show and then at the Stirling

May sale he went on to be Overall

Supreme Simmental champion

where we purchased him for

16000GNs, an all-breeds record

price for the May fixture.

Grangewood Simmentals

Rowan Farm, Lockton, Pickering, North Yorkshire.

YO1987NU

Grangewood Nobel

Sire: Ranfurly Impeccable (EX94)

Dam: Grangewood Polly’s Girl

(EX92)

Reserve Overall Male at English

National 2023

Sold privately for £6500.

Ranfurly Impeccable (EX94)

SEMEN FOR SALE

Sire: Raceview King

Dam: Ranfurly Weikel 3 rd

Impeccable attended seven shows and was

Supreme Simmental Champion at each one

including Balmoral where he also won the

Interbreed Beef recorded bull. He then went on to

be Reserve Senior champion at Stirling where we

purchased him for 8500GNs and was then crowned

male of the year Northern Ireland 2018 scoring

with maximum points.

Grangewood Tollies Millie

Grangewood Tollies Natasha


Dam: Grangewood Tollie’s Iris

1 st Prize at Scottish National

2023


Dam: Grangewood Tollie’s Hope

(EX93)

1 st prize and Reserve Junior Female

at English National 2023

Andrew, Yvonne & Callum Leedham:

07835254858, Email: grangewood13@gmail.com


BRITISH SIMMENTAL GENETICS,

MEETING HUGE CHINESE

MARKETPLACE DEMAND

Chinese demand for British Simmental

genetics has grown exponentially to

the extent that over 0.5 million doses of

semen are annually being exported by

the UK’s leading breeding companies.

An ever expanding line up of bulls at

stud strongly reflects their confidence

that this trend will continue well into

the foreseeable future in a marketplace

for an annual 20 million doses.*

long-term future looks exceptionally positive for

British Simmental in China – currently the world’s third

“The

largest beef producer and also, the world’s largest beef

importer seeking to achieve greater self-sufficiency and security at

a time when its domestic demand for protein continues to increase,”

explains British Simmental Cattle Society’s general manager, Iain

Kerr.

“The Chinese beef population stands at between 45 and 50 million

breeding females with 48 million head annual kill producing 7.35m

tonnes; total beef consumption amounts to 10.80m tonnes with a

current 4.21% annual growth rate leaving a substantial deficit met by

imports.

“Private individuals are investing in the sector, however 90%

continues to be managed in a peasant economy in relatively small

backyard herds averaging 10 cows. During the last two decades there

has been a significant influx of European genetics to modernise their

indigenous cows, with a build up of Simmental influence – the most

popular beef breed accounting for 80% of the population. Demand

has been driven by purity of phenotype – white head, socks and

under belly and broken red, brown coats, however in the last few

years with farmers having started to witness improved liveweight

performance, there’s been a focus on British Simmental genetics.”

AI is amongst the new technologies being introduced to the sector

which are having an impact on Chinese producers’ efficiency,

explains ABS Genus regional director Asia, Richard Williams. “AI

accounts for over 30% of services and is facilitated by trained

technicians. We have our own business in China strategically working

through local distribution channels – local farm shops with vets and

technicians whom we train.

“Cattle are traditionally reared and finished on forage and noncomplex

feed, however there is a growing trend towards size and

maximising kilos of liveweight. Consequently, stepping up feed

efficiency is now coming to the fore. That’s where we perceive there

are huge opportunities for British Simmental providing we offer the

right animal – one with growth, as well as the required phenotypic

characteristics.

We’re focused on building a business

in China that helps to achieve

genetic improvement that’s sustainable, and

has value in its marketplace for an annual 20

million doses.”


“For over a decade ABS Genus averaged three

British Simmental bulls at stud; today we

have 20 bulls – a volume fuelled by Chinese

demand and we are currently planning to

increase that number by 50%. Such are the

strict requirements, if a bull qualifies for China,

then he will be eligible for anywhere in the

world. The bull’s family is also important to the

Chinese – it’s a marketplace where the whole

story is important.”

He adds: “We’re focused on building a

business in China that helps to achieve

genetic improvement, that’s sustainable and

has value in its marketplace for an annual 20

million doses.”

Cogent’s international sales manager, Eamon Monaghan reports

similar trends with the number of British Simmental sires at stud

qualified for export increasing over five-fold since 2019 to 19 bulls,

and a further six currently in quarantine. “British Simmental genetics

make up 80% of Cogent’s trading in China and we believe demand is

not going to go away anytime soon.

“The Chinese recognise Simmental as a dual-purpose breed – milk

plus growth performance, the breed also offers familiarity – it’s

phenotypically very similar to the traditional Chinese cow in terms

of colour plus markings. Those phenotypic values are extremely

important and unlikely to change, however we do see the potential

to grow sexed semen sales; currently sales are 80 : 20 conventional

to sexed.”

We are focused on breeding animals

which can achieve high growth

rates and maintain good body condition on

minimal cost inputs without sacrificing

fertility, health or other breed advantages.

British Simmental is our number one choice.”

Amongst the new investors in China is the Pristine Agriculture Group,

a specialised agribusiness focused on developing pedigree genetics

and breeding livestock. “For historical reasons there is a structural

shortage of quality beef genetics in the country,” explains the

company’s consultant, Charles Crofton-Atkins. “We are focused on

breeding animals which can achieve high growth rates and maintain

good body condition on minimal cost inputs without sacrificing

fertility, health or other breed advantages. British Simmental is our

number one choice.

“After an initial purchase of 100 indigenous cows we’ve upgraded

with British Simmental and now farm 1,500 breeding cows. Our

objective is to contribute to the annual demand for five million

replacement heifers. We are currently importing British Simmental

semen from Cogent and Genus and also working towards the export

ban on embryos being lifted.”

The Pristine Agriculture Group’s activities extend beyond breeding

cattle on the 15,000 acres leased in Inner Mongolia comprising nine

farms - five stocked with cattle and the remainder with sheep. “We

are currently raising capital to develop the company to educate,

management train and incentivise the indigenous rural economy in

sustainable beef production. We’ve gained support from regional

government to build facilities together with interest from an industry

network from Inner Mongolia University to Lincoln University NZ.”

*At the point of publication of this article, the GACC, China’s relevant

ministry, announced a ban on UK bovine semen and other ruminant

products from December 2023 following the UK’s notification of a

Blue Tongue Virus-3 case. It's hoped that this will be a temporary ban

and with it being lifted through 2024.


Incheoch

Maternal Matters

“Functional, fertile cattle, structurally sound

for longevity and with good temperament

will never go out of style”

Stock Sires include (pictured left in order):

Incheoch Keystone PP (Gibby’s Real Deal x Dirnanean Fivestar)

homo—poll powerhouse of a bull SEMEN FOR SALE

Incheoch Nickel P (Sunny Valley Canon x HEMR Warrior)

Thick & Fleshy with typical Canadian Maternal Style

Coose Prague P (Tulla Jaguar x Curaheen Drifter)

We look forward to seeing how his Muscle & Character

fits our type.

Slievenagh Joker P (Kilbride Farm Glenhead x Cleenagh Flasher)

Trait-leading growth in a medium frame—stacks of masculinity

Robust paddock-reared bulls at

WORKING GENES

Annual on-farm Sale - 10th Sept ‘24

Full crop, mostly Polled

bred from Functional, Efficient cow lines.

McGowan family: Neil & Debbie 07788 100010

Finlay or Clare 01575 560236

Incheoch Perthshire Scotland PH118HJ

www.incheochfarm.co.uk Incheochfarm


TECHNICAL

AN INTRODUCTION

TO GENOMICS FOR

BRITISH SIMMENTAL

BREEDERS

In a significant step forward in its technical and breed improvement

work, the British Simmental Cattle Society is getting ready to

incorporate genomic information into its BREEDPLAN evaluation later

this year. This article, by Catriona Millen, ABRI Extension Services, has

been written to give British Simmental producers an introduction to

genomic technology, outlining what genomics is, how genomics works,

and how the inclusion of genomic information into the BREEDPLAN

analysis can benefit British Simmental producers.

WHAT IS GENOMICS?

The genome is the genetic material of an organism; that is, all of

an organism’s DNA. Genomics is the study of the genome, while

genomic selection refers to the inclusion of DNA information into a

genetic evaluation and selection program (such as BREEDPLAN). The

DNA information (or genotype) used for genomic selection is in the

form of thousands of genetic markers known as Single Nucleotide

Polymorphisms (SNPs). Genotypes containing these thousands of SNP

markers are generated by analysing a DNA sample from the animal on

a SNP chip. SNP chips are available in different densities: for example,

the SNP chip might have 50,000 SNP markers (50K), 100,000 SNP

markers (100K), or be of a lower density (20K) or ultra-high density

(700K). The higher the density, the higher is the number of SNP

markers being tested and reported. Higher density tests are also more

expensive because they are generating larger amounts of information.


TECHNICAL

To generate genomic information on beef cattle, tissue samples

(e.g. hair root follicles, blood, semen) are collected by breeders and

sent to a laboratory for genomic testing. The DNA gets extracted

from the sample and is then run on a SNP chip. The result obtained

for each of the individual SNP markers, when considered together,

is then reported as the SNP genotype for the animal. However,

the information alone has no real value to the breeder unless it is

used in a meaningful way. That is why the British Simmental Cattle

Society has chosen to use SNP genotypes along with pedigree and

performance information in the calculation of BREEDPLAN EBVs.

This provides a much better return from the investment in SNP

genotyping of British Simmental cattle.

WHAT IS SINGLE-STEP BREEDPLAN?

When genomic information isn’t available – or isn’t being used -

BREEDPLAN will make use of pedigree information and performance

data (both on the individual and related animals) to generate EBVs.

When genomic information is available, BREEDPLAN can then access

a new source of information about how animals are truly related (at

the genomic level) and how the genotype relates to the differences

in performance seen between animals. The Society has organized

for SNP genotypes to be made available to BREEDPLAN directly from

the laboratory and for this information to be combined with the

pedigree and performance data stored on the Society database for

use in monthly BREEDPLAN evaluations. This means that pedigree,

performance and genomic data – three different sources of

information – will be used together to generate EBVs. This approach

is called Single-Step BREEDPLAN.

A reference population is required for genomic selection to

work. The reference population consists of thousands of animals

which have both phenotypes (performance data) and genotypes

(Figure 1). Setting up a reference population has been one of the

challenges in implementing genomics in many breeds of beef

cattle; for most breeds to date, there simply have not been enough

animals with both phenotypes and genotypes available to form

an effective reference population. The ideal reference population

has phenotypes collected on all traits of economic importance

and interest to the breed. The second group of animals in Figure 1

are those which have genotypes, but do not yet have phenotypes

collected. These typically are young animals which have not yet

reached an age where they can be performance recorded. However,

any animal that has been genotyped but has no performance data

fits into this second group.

relationship between the genotypes and phenotypes of the reference

population can be used to calculate EBVs for young animals which

have genotypes but do not have phenotypes (performance data).

What all this means is that it’s possible to calculate EBVs more

accurately for young genotype-only animals. Their own genotype

allows them to draw on all the information available via their

genomic relationship to the reference population, far more

information that is available simply via their pedigree. Of course, this

approach works best when the young, genotyped animal is closely

related to the reference population. For this reason, the reference

population should be designed to represent the whole genetic pool

of a breed, rather than just a subset of genetics within a breed. This is

also one of the reasons why genomics will not replace performance

recording – there is a requirement that animals from the next

generation have both genotypes and phenotypes coming into the

reference population over time. Importantly, any animal that has

been genotyped and has some amount of performance data then

becomes part of the reference population. This means the reference

population continues to grow each time there are new animals

genotyped and with performance records.

The Society is currently working with BREEDPLAN to review the

current British Simmental reference population and to provide

guidance on maximising the return on breeder investment in

performance recording and genotyping practices.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN BRITISH SIMMENTAL

BREEDERS EXPECT FROM GENOMICS?

When genomics is implemented, a British Simmental breeder will be

able to take a sample on an individual animal, send the sample away

for genotyping and then have the genotype information included in

the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation to generate EBVs. This will

have two main applications for British Simmental breeders:

1. EBVs can be generated for animals which do not have

performance data.

There will always be animals without performance information as

well as animals that may have performance records but are in herds

of such a small size that the value of performance data is limited. By

genotyping these animals and having the SNP genotype included

in the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation, these animals can get

BREEDPLAN EBVs of higher accuracy.

There will also be animals in BREEDPLAN herds that don’t have

performance information for some traits because:

• the animal is too young to have been measured for that trait.

For example, a calf at weaning will be too young to have

performance records for scan EMA and FAT and will therefore

have low accuracy for the carcase trait EBVs.

Figure 1. A reference population is critical to the implementation and

ongoing success of genomic evaluations. The reference population

consists of animals which have phenotypes (performance data

for economically important traits) and genotypes available. The

• the trait is hard and/or expensive to measure. For example,

Net Feed Intake (NFI) is measured in feeding trials where the

animals are on ad libitum feed for nearly 100 days (including the

pre-trial adjustment period), making it a very expensive trait to

measure widely across the population.

• the trait is only able to be measured in one sex. For example,

Scrotal Size can only be recorded for males.


TECHNICAL

• the trait can only be measured once the animal is dead. For

example, slaughter/carcase information.

• even when an animal does have performance information,

this information may not be able to be used effectively by the

BREEDPLAN analysis. For example, a single animal in a single

animal contemporary group has no head-to-head comparison

with contemporaries. This means it can only receive mid-parent

EBVs until it has progeny in useful contemporary groups.

Whatever the reason for an animal not having performance

information, it will either result in having no EBVs reporting for

certain traits (because the accuracy is too low) or will only have

mid-parent EBVs of low accuracy. With Single-Step BREEDPLAN,

such animals could be genotyped and get EBVs reporting for a range

of traits because the additional information from the reference

population allows the accuracy of the EBVs to be higher. Animals

which are too young to be performance recorded for a trait could be

genotyped at a young age (e.g. at birth) and get EBVs that normally

they would not receive until they were much older (e.g. rising 2 year

olds with scan data).

culled or castrated? This is a difficult decision, because the breeder

has limited knowledge of the genetic potential of these young bull

calves, and thus has no way of differentiating these calves based on

their genetic potential.

Figure 2B shows the Selection Indexes generated after the inclusion

of genomic information into the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation.

As illustrated in Figure 2B, following the inclusion of genomic data

into the BREEDPLAN analysis, the Selection Index values for these 10

full- sibling bull calves now range from £39 to £62. As the breeder

can now differentiate between calves on their genetic potential, the

breeder can identify which of these young full-sibling bull calves has

the desired genetics for their breeding program. The breeder can

now use the best young bulls for yearling mating. Of course, the use

of one Selection Index is for illustrative purposes only; the breeder

should consider both Selection Indexes and individual EBVs of

importance as well as a visual assessment for structure, when making

selection decisions (see A BREEDPLAN Guide to Animal Selection,

available via the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website, for more

information).

2. More accurate EBVs can be generated for animals with limited

performance information

Currently, a young animal with no performance data (either of

its own or its progeny) will have mid-parent EBVs with quite low

accuracy. With the addition of its own performance data and

performance data of its progeny, the EBVs will change (depending

on how well the individual and its progeny perform within their

contemporary groups) and the accuracy associated with the EBVs

will increase.

Genomics will “boost” the accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBVs, with this

benefit being most pronounced when the animal has EBVs of low

accuracy before being genotyped. For example, a young animal

may have an accuracy of 30% for one EBV; with the inclusion of

a genomic test, the accuracy for that EBV might become 40%.

However, an older animal, which might have an accuracy of 90% for

the same EBV, would likely only have an increase to 92% accuracy for

that EBV with the inclusion of genomic information.

The impact of genomics on accuracy can be considered in a

similar way to the addition of progeny performance data into

the BREEDPLAN evaluation. When the accuracy of an EBV is low,

additional data has a large effect. But when the accuracy of an EBV

is high, additional data has a much smaller effect. Of course, the

improvement in the accuracy of an EBV due to the inclusion of

genomic information will vary for each trait (depending on the size

of the reference population and the heritability of the trait) and for

each animal (depending on how closely the animal is related to the

reference population).

The applications of genomics as discussed above will allow British

Simmental breeders to identify elite bulls and heifers at younger

ages than is currently possible. For example, consider an ET program

where 10 full sibling bulls have been born (Figure 2). As full siblings,

these ET calves will share on average 50% of their DNA (e.g. full

sibling ET calves are not genetically identical). These young bull

calves, at marking time, will have identical mid- parent EBVs with

low accuracy. This is illustrated in Figure 2A, where all 10 bull calves

have a mid-parent Selection Index value of £50. Which one(s) should

be kept as bull(s) for breeding purposes, and which ones should be

Figure 2. An ET breeding program results in 10 full sibling bull calves.

In A) these 10 calves are too young to have performance information

recorded, and so have identical mid-parent EBVs and Selection Index

values. In this instance, all 10 calves have a Selection Index value

of £50. In B) each of the 10 calves has had a genomic test done,

and the genomic information has been included in the Single-Step

BREEDPLAN evaluation. Here, due to the inclusion of genomic

information, the Selection Index values range from £39 to £62.

As the Figure 2 example shows, the power of genomics is the

identification of elite bulls and heifers at a young age. This allows

cattle breeders to make selection decisions at younger ages than

are currently possible, and thus shorten the generation interval. In

turn, shortening the generation interval should increase the rate of

genetic improvement, both for individual breeders and for the wider

British Simmental population.

CONCLUSION

The availability of SNP genotypes for British Simmental cattle and the

introduction of Single-Step BREEDPLAN will have several benefits

for members of the British Simmental Cattle Society, including the

potential to calculate EBVs on animals that cannot or have not been

measured for particular traits. In addition, the inclusion of genomic

data in the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation is likely to increase

the accuracy of EBVs for young animals with limited performance

data. Therefore, genomics provides an important tool for British

Simmental producers who wish to continue making genetic

improvement into the future.


TECHNICAL

NATIONAL BEEF EVALUATION DATA SHOWS

BRITISH SIMMENTAL ADVANTAGES IN

AGE AT SLAUGHTER, REDUCED FINISHING

COSTS, IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT, AND MATERNAL TRAITS

British Simmental’s commercial abilities have achieved a massive

endorsement from the AHDB National Beef Evaluations (NBE) which

have provided the first set of EBVs for five carcase and three maternal

traits for all breeds and crossbred cattle across the UK, based on

commercially sourced data.

Simmental sired calves finished on average over five

weeks earlier than those by all Continental sires,

unsurprisingly these calves cost less to finish – on

average over £70, while fast finishing also equates to

reduced CO2 emissions. Furthermore, Continental sired

calves out of Simmental dams finished over four weeks

earlier than the average of all suckler dams. When it comes

to maternal traits, then the average genetic merit for

Simmentals is higher than the average for all Continental

breeds.

Unlike EBVs from the various performance recording

organisations, the NBE dataset is collated nationally from

BCMS, as well as many of the UK’s largest processors and

abattoirs to develop a database that includes records from

over three million animals slaughtered in the last 10 years.

This huge dataset is enabling AHDB to estimate the genetic

merit of beef cattle, including over 500,000 sires, for days to

slaughter, carcase weight and EUROP scores.

PERFORMANCE, EFFICIENCY AND PROFIT

Days to slaughter has a huge effect on a farm’s efficiency.

Animals that take longer to finish cost more in terms of feed

and subsequently reduce overall profit. These animals also

produce more greenhouse gases because they are alive

longer. consequently reducing days to slaughter reduces the

carbon footprint of your beef.

The National Beef Evaluations demonstrate Simmentals

rank highly amongst Continental breeds for this trait

(December 2023) and have, on average, a leading genetic


TECHNICAL

merit for reducing days to slaughter. The actual

performance data of Simmental bred offspring

translates to actual performance as follows. See

Fig 1.

• Simmental sired calves finish on average 37

days earlier than those by Continental sires

and 46 days earlier than calves by native

sires.

• Simmental sired calves will cost on average,

£74 less to finish than the average of all

Continental sired calves, assuming £2 per day

finishing cost.

• Simmental sired animals, finishing 37 days

earlier, will on average produce 5.6kg less

CO2 equivalents based on UK Government’s

estimate the average animal produces 151g of

CO 2

equivalents per day.

It’s important to remember that a bull only

provides half of the genetics inherited by a calf.

The other half comes from the dam. Again,

Simmental bred calves were the most efficient.

• Calves out of Simmental dams and by

Continental sires finish on average 47 days

earlier than the average of all suckler dams

(blue bars), showing that choosing Simmental

cows is another great strategy to reduce

finishing costs.

Fig 1: Average days to slaughter, 2013 - 2023

A great way to further leverage this Simmental advantage is to select

your sire according to his EBV. Using a Simmental sire in the top 10%

for days to slaughter reduces that period by an average of 46 days for

suckled calves (and 42 days for calves out of dairy dams), compared

to a Simmental sire in the bottom 10% for days to slaughter.

MATERNAL TRAITS

A herd’s potential productivity is not just affected by growth

rates, but also your cows’ maternal ability. AHDB’s National Beef

Evaluations also contain EBVs for three maternal traits - age at first

calving, productive lifespan and calf survival.

Since the traits are developed from across-breed national

evaluations, they can be used to compare the genetic potential


TECHNICAL

for Simmentals against other Continental

breeds. It’s also possible to see how

breeding strategies lead to differing trends

in the genetic potential for each trait.

Fig 2: Age at first calving

Age at First Calving

Calving heifers at a younger age can make

great improvements to profitability by

reducing their rearing costs and increasing

the number of calves produced in a cow’s

lifetime. Starting earlier provides a cow with

more opportunities to produce a calf.

Simmental’s average genetic potential,

measured using EBVs, is favourable, in

this case more negative, compared to the

overall average of the Continental breed

group – see Fig 3. For animals born in 2021,

Simmentals on average have the genetic

potential to produce their first calf 10 days

earlier than the Continental average.

From the data Simmentals are performing

well for this trait, however the genetic trend

for the breed in the last 20 years, as per

Fig 2, should be noted. The change shown

is likely due to the link with carcase traits,

where strong selection for carcase traits

alone tends to have a negative impact on

fertility. This again highlights the importance

to Simmental breeders and commercial

producers of selecting bulls with good EBVs

for maternal, as well as carcase traits, when

breeding replacement heifers.

Figure 3: Productive lifespan

Productive Lifespan

This trait measures cow longevity whilst also

taking into account fertility. AHDB measures

the number of tagged calves an animal

produces in her lifetime, with a cap at 6.5

years or death, if sooner.

Simmentals have on average greater

potential to produce more calves in

their lifetime than the overall average for

Continentals. Fig 3. While the actual size of

this difference is quite small – around 0.06

calves for animals born in 2021, alongside

improvements in management, this greater

genetic potential could be enough to allow

an animal to produce an extra calf.

Figure 4: Calf survival

The genetic potential for this trait is

improving both in Simmentals and across

Continental breeds. The average Simmental

cow born in 2021 has the potential to

produce 0.11 more live calves than a

Simmental cow born in 2001 – almost twice

the current difference between Simmentals

and the average of all Continentals.


TECHNICAL

Calf Survival

AHDB estimates the probability that once a calf is tagged, it is still

alive at 10 months old.

Selecting animals with higher calf survival EBVs should increase the

proportion of calves which survive to weaning. Simmentals continue

to have higher genetic potential for this trait on average compared

with the overall Continental average. However, the overall genetic

potential is increasing at a slower rate for Simmentals, consequently

this gap is reducing. For animals born in 2021, the average genetic

potential for calf survival is very similar for Simmentals to the overall

Continental average. See Fig 4.

British Simmental Cattle Society president, Norman Robson said:

“While we’ve been aware that Simmental is a hard-working, no

nonsense beef breed, those facts have been qualified by AHDB’s

National Beef Evaluations based on a vast amount of indisputable

data unique to the sector.

“With input prices pressure continuing to escalate, there is going

to be a real premium on efficiency. Simmentals are showing

here, in data over a 10-year period, that they give you more both

maternally and terminally. The breed is industry leading at age at

slaughter whether sired by a Simmental or out of a Simmental dam,

with a significant reduction in finishing costs, and lower emissions

meeting environmental challenges. Add that to the Simmental’s

well established maternal qualities of easy and regular calving,

milk, fertility, and longevity and it’s just good economics for beef

producers and good environmental sense for retailers and society.”

“The data cumulatively highlights the added value performance

that can be achieved from both carcase and maternal traits when

Simmental genetics are introduced to the herd. In turn, they’re the

main contributors to efficiency and subsequently profit, absolutely

essential going forward for a sustainable enterprise.”

• To breed animals that best suit your farming system, AHDB

recommends its National Beef Evaluation EBVs should be

considered in conjunction with EBVs from your performance

recording organization.

To find out more and look up your animals in AHDB’s National

Beef Evaluations, visit https://ahdbbeef.egenes.co.uk/


ADVERTORIAL

Vitrified embryo

AB Europe vet, Gavin Tait

Science into practice: IVP

Answering some of the most FAQs

Cattle breeders seeking to improve their herd’s genetic potential

are introducing In-Vitro embryo Production (IVP), a costeffective

service from specialist artificial breeding technology

company, AB Europe. Globally, IVP is a widely used method for

producing embryos where it outcompetes MOET for its flexibility and

multiple benefits to breeders and their donor animals.

IVP features some of the most technically advanced procedures to

produce embryos from collected oocytes which are fertilized within

a petri dish by selected semen and subsequently cultured for seven

days until the fully developed embryos can be transferred or frozen.

AB Europe’s vet, Gavin Tait provides answers to some of the most

FAQs.

1. Do we have to take our cattle selected for IVP to a special

collection centre?

No, AB Europe can collect the oocytes – unfertilised eggs, both on

farm and at our own livery collection centre based in the Scottish

Borders. To make the process more cost effective we would

recommend those with smaller numbers - one to two donors to take

advantage of the livery facilities. For larger numbers, we can collect

on farm, so long as there is an adequate set up.

2. How do I prepare a donor for IVP collection?

Six hormone injections are made prior to collection to boost oocyte

quality and often oocyte numbers. These stimulated collections can

be carried out on a fortnightly basis either by the donor’s owner on

farm, or if the female is at AB Europe’s livery, by Gavin Tait.

3. At what age can you start collecting from heifers?

On average, if they are well grown and cycling, we can start

collecting from beef heifers at around 10 to 11 months of age and

from dairy heifers around eight months. There will be variation

between breeds and individual animals.

4. Can you collect from pregnant donors?

Yes. We can collect from in-calf donors up to around 12 weeks

gestation. After this point it becomes very donor dependant as to

whether her ovaries can still be accessed by the vet.

5. How many donors can you use a straw of semen over?

One straw of semen can be used over an average of four to five

donors depending on semen quality, concentration, and oocyte

numbers.

6. Can you use fresh semen?

Yes. This requires careful planning prior to collection. Bulls must

be licenced, and the semen must arrive at the AB IVP laboratory in

Edinburgh on the same day as the donor collection.

7. Can IVP embryos be transferred fresh?

Yes. 50% of the embryos produced in our IVP lab are transferred

fresh. Embryos are produced eight days after the initial oocyte

collection, consequently careful planning and early booking is vital

to ensure availability.


ADVERTORIAL

8. What is vitrification?

Vitrification is a process whereby the embryos are first dehydrated

to remove all liquid within the embryo and then rapidly frozen on

specially designed hooks. This prevents ice crystals forming within

the embryo which could be detrimental to the embryo when thawed.

It is also the preferred method of freezing used in human IVF.

9. Does vitrification result in better hold rates compared to

conventional freezing methods?

Grade 1 embryos tend to hold equally as well with either method.

However, we find there is a marked improved hold rate when Grade

2 embryos are vitrified.

Fig 1: Embryo grades

M EB B XB HB

Morula

Early-stage

development

Early

Blastocyst

Blastocyst

Expanded

Blastocyst

Hatching

Blastocyst

Late-stage

development

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Picture perfect embryo. Inner cell mass (ICM)

is neat and tidy with even cell size, shape and

colour. No evidence of fragmentation

ICM cellular distribution less compact with minor

fragmentation

No clear cellular boundaries with >50%

fragmentation. Not viable for freezing or

transferring

10. How long can embryos be stored for?

Indefinitely, as long as they are stored in liquid nitrogen.

11. What do your embryo grades mean?

Our grades consist of two parts – the embryo’s developmental stage

and the embryo’s overall appearance. (See Fig 1).

Grade 2 embryos

CATTLE IVP

SERVICES

AB Europe offers farmers professional

and reliable services as well as access

to the latest reproductive breeding

technologies to maximise and accelerate

genetic gain from their superior cows.

Collect from young

or pregnant donors

On-farm services

Livery service

Utilise rare or valuable semen

Recipient availability

@abeurope

@AB_Europe

@AnimalBreedingEurope

01875 614 500


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Cogent’s exclusive portfolio

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the modern day breeder an

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High Health Status

Performance recording

Hemingford Nelson

Reserve Senior Champion Sold for 11000gns

Stirling October 2023

Hemingford Abbots

Cambridgeshire

Visitors Always Welcome

Saltire Jaguar

Current herd Sire

Sired by Team Celtic

James & Rachael Griffin 07775536544 or 07799762515


AFTER THE ONE-TWO PUNCH OF PI REMOVAL AND BIOSECURITY, YOU’LL WANT TO KEEP YOUR GUARD UP AGAINST BVD.

A DISEASE WITH AN IMPACT OF OVER £40 PER COW PER YEAR 1 . SPEAK TO YOUR VET ABOUT HOW THE UK’S MARKET

LEADING BVD VACCINE 2 PROVIDES 12 MONTHS’ PROVEN PROTECTION AGAINST BOTH BVD TYPE 1 AND 2, WITH JUST ONE JAB 3 .

When used as part of a comprehensive approach to BVD including culling of PIs and biosecurity.

References: 1. Yarnall and Thrusfield (2017) Vet Record doi: 10.1136/vr.104370 2. Kynetec (2019) BVD sales data by value. Full year 2018 3. For

active immunisation of cattle against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, to prevent the birth of persistently infected calves caused by transplacental infection.

Bovela lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle contains modified live BVDV-1, non-cytopathic parent strain KE-9: 10 4.0 –

10 6.0 TCID 50

, modified live BVDV-2, non-cytopathic parent strain NY-93: 10 4.0 –10 6.0 TCID 50

. UK: POM-V. Further information available in the SPC or

from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd, RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746957. Email: vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Bovela is

a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. ©2019 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All

rights reserved. Date of preparation: Jul 2019. AHD12633. Use Medicines Responsibly.

MakE BVD history

TOP 20 Sires 2023

SALTIRE IMPRESSIVE TOPS

THE 2023 SIRE RANKINGS

FOR THE MOST PEDIGREE PROGENY REGISTERED IN 2023

In figures released by the Society, the April 2017

born bull Saltire Impressive, owned by MA

Barlow & Sons, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, leads

the way in having most pedigree calves registered

to a sire in 2023, with 84 calves being registered

in the British Simmental herdbook.

Bred by J&G Houliston, Drem, North Berwick,

Saltire Impressive made 14,000gns at Stirling in

2018 when selling to the Ballymoney herd of

Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Banbridge, Co Down. With

a good track record of breeding behind him in

both the pedigree and commercial sector, Saltire

Impressive was purchased by the Barlows in a

private deal in 2022 for use in their high-profile

80-cow Denizes herd. Commenting, John Barlow

said: “We purchased Saltire Impressive with

the main aim of putting him to Denizes Hamish

daughter, a mating we think has real potential.

He certainly hasn’t disappointed! We think his

first crop of calves are exceptional and they’ll be

sold later in the year. Impressive is a bull with

tremendous growth, plenty of length and is just a

very modern Simmental bull.”

Saltire Impressive.

Pistyll Kingsman.

Saltire Impressive is by Woodhall Ferrari 14 and

is out of Saltire Diva, a Saltire Arnie 09 daughter.

Saltire Impressive is in the breed’s Top 5% for

200; 400; and 600 day growth. In 2023 AI

progeny have included Coolcran Heidis Noreen

the 26,000gns top price heifer at the Next

Generation Sale III, whilst Hiltonstown Matrix

made 20,000gns when selling at the February

2023 Bull Sale.

Coming in second place with 63 calves, and a new

entrant to the top twenty, is Pistyll Kingsman from

the Overhill House herd of Richard McCulloch,

Armadale West Lothian. Bred by GA & HM Francis,

Pistyll Uchaf, Abergorlech, Carmarthen, Pistyll

Kingsman was purchased by Richard McCulloch

for 26,000gns at Stirling in February 2021. Roll

on to Stirling October 2023 and Kingsman son

Overhill House Neo sold for 46,000gns, a new

breed record, whilst the Kingsman heifer Overhill

House Neva made 18,000gns at Carlisle’s Next

Gen III Sale in December!

Pistyll Kingsman is another Woodhouse Ferrari 14

son and is out of Woodhall Evangeline (ET) GP 83.

With a bit of movement this year in the top twenty

other noted entrants to the top rankings include:

Rathnashan Magnum (37); Egebjerggards Pesto

(37); Denizes Logic 20 (36); Auchorachan Kennedy

19 (36); Clonagh Latin Lover (35).

Top 20 Sires - 2023 2023 2022

SALTIRE IMPRESSIVE 17 84 39

PISTYLL KINGSMAN 19 63 26

AUCHORACHAN HERCULES 16 57 71

DENIZES HAMISH 16 55 53

CURAHEEN BANDIT 48 41

PHS POLLED WORLDWIDE 14W 39 39

COOSE LINCOLN 38 42

COOSE JERICHO 37 47

RATHNASHAN MAGNUM 37

WILLIAMWOOD ICEMAN 17 37 47

EGEBJERGGARDS PESTO 37 24

DENIZES LOGIC 20 36

AUCHORACHAN KENNEDY 19 36 25

CLONAGH LATIN LOVER 35 19

HILTONSTOWN LANCELOT 20 34 22

NEWBIEMAINS LEGEND 20 34 2

COOLCRAN INSTAGRAM 17 34 28

RATHNASHAN MAPLE SYRUP 32

WOLFSTAR JIMMY CHOO 18 32 31

GREENCAP KANE 19 32 23


GOLDEN COW

AWARD

Introduced in 2018, the Golden Cow is a replacement for the Elite Cow Scheme. As well as looking at the

EBV’s for a cow and her progeny, the Golden Cow also takes into account the physical attributes of the cow

from the Classification scores awarded to her.

Qualifying criteria for Golden Cow Award

• Cow must have five calves with an average calving

Interval of 13 months (twins are classed as one calving)

• Cow must have indexes above breed average

• All calves must have indexes above breed average

• Cow must be classified as Excellent

Once awarded Golden Cow status this award remains whilst the cow is live and active in the herd book.

Golden Cows

COW

ISLAVALE ELISHA EX 93

ISLAVALE FOXY EX91

ISLAVALE FREDA EX 91

STAR GREEN DAPPY’S GRAPEFRUIT EX 92

CORSKIE HALO EX92

CORSKIE HALFPENNY EX90

ISLAVALE HARPER EX90

ISLAVALE TOPAZ 8 EX90

Islavale Harper EX90.

OWNER

MR W S STRONACH

MR W S STRONACH

MR W S STRONACH

MR P V JOLIFFE

MR WJ & J GREEN

MR WJ & J GREEN

MR W S STRONACH

MR W S STRONACH

NEW!

ON FARM

IVF COLLECTIONS

Our teams average 6 embryos per collection

T&C'S apply

IVF centres in

Cumbria, Yorkshire,

Northern Ireland

and Devon

Conventional Flushing,

Embryo Transfer,

IVF, Planned

Genetic Recoveries,

Embryo Exports

IVF Fresh Transfers,

Cowstoppers,

Semen Collections


LOOKING

TO BUILD A

SIMMENTAL

FUTURE

Simmental Young Members again featured strongly throughout

the Simmental year in 2023 playing an integral part at shows,

sales, and major events. Here we have a montage of just

some of the highlights of Simmental Young Members participating,

achieving, and showing their fantastic abilities, including:

Showing at the summer ‘majors’ and Winter Primestocks; Exhibiting

the Champion at the Royal Welsh Show; winning young handlers

championships at the Royal Norfolk, English Winter Fair, and Stars

of the Future events; winning the All-Ireland Young Handlers

Stockjudging; preparing and showing at the Stirling Bull Sales;

calf show young handlers championships; stockjudging at the NI

National Show; and winning young stockpersons awards at Stirling.

The SYMA continues to be the forum for young members to develop

their interest and knowledge in all things Simmental and cattle

breeding generally. Hugely important it is a foundation for the

development of young Simmental members and the improvement of

the Simmental breed in the future.

• Herd visits and open days

• Technical days and online courses on cattle breeding,

genetics, EBVs and genomics

• Marketing of Simmental cattle and use of online forums for

breed promotion

• SYMA social events

The Simmental Young Member Association is a fantastic forum for

you to learn more about cattle and the livestock industry generally.

It’s a lot of fun, educational, and a great opportunity to meet and mix

with people who share a common interest in British Simmental, one

of the UK’s leading beef breeds.

Want to join the SYMA and help us grow the organisation? Then

please contact us at information@britishsimmental.co.uk or on

02476 696513

Simmental young members can be found in all the affiliated Clubs

around the UK and the Society is keen to grow SYMA membership

and activity. Collectively, with support from the SYMA officeholders,

and the British Simmental Cattle Society, events are organised at

both local and national level and can typically include:

• National and regional SYMA stockjudging

• Exchange visits and trips

• Courses in cattle preparation, feeding, halter training,

clipping, showing cattle and general stock knowledge


SIMMENTAL

YOUNG MEMBERS

ASSOCIATION



Welcome to

New Members

Great to see new breeders from all geographies of the UK joining the Society in 2023. A warm

welcome is extended to all and we hope that you enjoy your membership of British Simmental

as you build your pedigree herd.

MEMBER’S NAME PREFIX REGION

PHILIP ABERNETHY DRUMARD Northern Ireland

MR & MRS GEORGE BURNS TIPPETCRAIG Scotland

PETER COMPTON STURRIVER South West

BERNARD COURTNEY DUNMAKENNA Northern Ireland

MARTIN CUNNINGHAM CATCAIRN Northern Ireland

MR COLIN DAVEY WINGFIELD Cornwall

J & B DEACON DEACO North West

EDWARD FAIRBANK TURBURY North East

JACK GERMANY & SKYE DIXON ALLSAINTS East Anglia

MARTYN GESSEY HENGAER Wales

ROBBIE HAMILTON DRUMCLOG Scotland

LLOYD HEARD MELDON South West

D J LITCHFIELD LTD LITCHFIELD Midlands

GEORGE LOW STOLA Scotland

STEVEN MCCRACKEN STONELANDS Midlands

NATHAN MICHELL DEHENBUGH Cornwall

ALISTAIR ROSS ARABELLA Scotland

PAUL & ROLAND O’KANE DERRYORK Northern Ireland

ELLEN PLOWRIGHT GATACRE Midlands

D & R HOLDINGS BOWHILL Scotland

PHILIP ROBERT ROSBOTHAM LIMETREE Northern Ireland

GEORGE SCRIVENS AND HOLLY GRANT TAPSTER Midlands

J & M SHARP DARLEITH Scotland

FREDDIE SHORROCK DYNELEY North West

THOMAS DANIEL WALKER SURREYHALL North West

HANNAH WOOD DEERWOOD North West

WILLIAM JAMES GILL HELIANTHUS Northern Ireland

SOPHIE EDGE UNIQUE Midlands

JACK FLEMING SPOTTGLEN Scotland

MATTHEW KISSICK GLENQUILLY Northern Ireland

MISS HOLLY LUTKIN WELLBECK East Anglia

AILSA GRANT

Scotland

MATTHEW ADAIR BLANEYFARM Northern Ireland

GLEN ELLIS FAIRLEIGH North East

FERGUS & BRUCE FORBES KILDRUMMIE Scotland

CLAUDIA HAYLLOR BLACKLER South West

FIRM OF JAMES HUNTER HALLRIG Scotland

PHILIP BOYD-STEVENSON

JIM GRIEVE

East Anglia

Scotland


FAREWELL TO DEAR FRIENDS

Rev. Canon Henry James

William (Harry) Moore

Omorga Simmentals

1933 – 2022

Henry James William

Moore, known as

Harry was born

on Saturday 6 th May 1933,

son of Joseph and Frances

Moore in Cork City, Co Cork.

He would soon be followed

by two younger brothers,

Bryan and Joe. The family

were originally from West

Cork but relocated to

Ballyrichard near Midleton

where Harry was raised on the family farm. Life on the farm was a simple

but happy one characterised by hard work and family unity. The farm

had a mix of cattle sheep and horses and the farm supplied grain to

Midleton distillery – the home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. It was in these

early days that a lifelong love of farming and machinery was instilled in

Harry.

Harry’s early education was at the local primary school opposite St

John the Baptist church in Midleton followed by attendance at Midleton

College where he was encouraged by family and staff to follow a

calling into the Church. Having excelled academically at school, Harry

proceeded to Trinity College, Dublin where he graduated with a BA in

1953, his Divinity Test in 1956 and subsequently with an MA in 1970. He

was made deacon in 1956 and was priested in 1957 in Armagh. Harry

was to remain within Armagh Diocese for the rest of his career.

Alice Munro

Wellhouse Herd

1925 -2023

In February the Society was saddened to hear of the

passing of Alice Munro of the longstanding Well House

Simmental herd at Beauly, Inverness-shire. In the words

of her family ‘Alice passed away at the grand age of 98,

leaving a big hole in the family farm at Wellhouse.’ Alice

founded the Simmental herd over 50 years ago, becoming

a member of the British Simmental Cattle Society in

1972. Herself and Bryan had great success at Perth Bull

Sales throughout the 80’s and 90’s winning multiple

championships and meeting with sustained success. Even

after retirement Alice continued to have an input into the

herd with her love for the breed never wilting.

He was a senior cleric within the Chapter of Armagh Cathedral having

become Canon in 1990 and served as Chancellor of Armagh Cathedral

from 1998.

Harry established the Omorga herd in 1974 with the purchase of two

heifers from Bertie Houston in Donegal, one from Bertie Watterson

(Oakland) and one from Alexander Cameron (Terrygowan). He became

friends with many Simmental breeders across the UK and Ireland and

enjoyed breeding his cattle and attending Simmental events across the

country. He took advice from his close friends and neighbours Walter

Shortt, Bertie Watterson and Andrew Patterson and took particular

pride when his bulls performed well at the local Bull Testing Station in

Loughgall and latterly across the water at Perth and Stirling Bull Sales. He

took great pleasure in personally delivering a batch of his own bulls and

one for Robin Boyd in his own lorry to the May Sale in Stirling at the age

of 77.

He will be greatly missed by the community in general but in particular

by his children, John, Andrew, Christine and his extended family who are

grateful for his long life well lived.

Following a service of thanksgiving for his life, Harry was laid to rest in

the graveyard of St John’s Parish Church, Ballinderry on Boxing Day,

26 th Dec 2022 beside his dearly loved wife, Eileen, by whom he was

predeceased in 2020.

Tim King

1943-2023

Tim King died peacefully on 10 th July aged 80, in

Minehead. Tim was Farm Manager at Boddington

Estates, Cheltenham, and started Sterling

Simmentals with Stephen Hitchins in the late 1970s.

He also worked for Guy Van Der Gucht and Deerhurst

Simmentals in Apperley, Tewkesbury, in the mid to late

80s. Tim’s wife Gill was also involved on both farms and

in showing Simmentals at the major shows. Tim gave up

farming after Gill’s death in 1990.



John Alfred Dwyer

Falondene Herd

1934 -2023

The following

tribute was

supplied by

John’s daughter Kathy:

At nearly 89 years of

age, Dad died on the

3 rd March following a

stroke, at Saltgreens

Residential Care Home

in Eyemouth.

Born in a sweet shop

in Leicester, John was

the oldest of three boys, and was educated at Alderman Newton’s

Grammar School, Leicester. Here he joined the YFC, beginning his

interest in livestock and farming. During school breaks and for two

years after finishing school, he cycled 10 miles daily to work with

Pedigree Dairy Shorthorns at Groby Lodge Farm, Markfield.

At 18, John began his National Service with the Royal Veterinary

Corps at Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. His three years of service

included time in both Egypt and Kenya, before returning to civilian

life in 1955. He began working with Pedigree Shorthorns at Stone

Thorpe, Aylesbury, and whilst showing at a local show met Dorothy,

a Welsh nurse working at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. They married in

1957, and together had three children Shân, Kathy and David.

John worked with several breeds of cattle and sheep, but his

involvement with the early importations of Simmentals from

Switzerland, France and Germany, started a lifelong passion with the

breed. In the mid-1980s he moved with Dorothy to Berwickshire,

and as a freelance stockman became involved with many

prizewinning herds.

Following a trip to Austria in 1989, buying heifers for local herds,

John founded the Falondene Herd with Kathy, with the importation

of Falondene Guggi. Success at local shows and bull sales was

achieved and enjoyed, John was so proud when the Herd received

the Best Small Herd in Scotland Award in 2005 from the Scottish

Club. He enjoyed his trips to Perth (which were always sociable

occasions!), and catching up with friends and breeders from near &

far.

Other interests included breeding Old English Sheep dogs, veg

gardening, pipe band music & heavy working horses, but his passion

was always his cows.

Sorely missed in so many ways Dad, especially your knowledge and

support.

Charlie Allan

Ardo Herd

1939-2023

One of the true personalities in Scottish agriculture, Charlie

Allan, Methlick, Aberdeenshire was a farmer, a North

East broadcaster, a singer, a writer, and an athlete! Born

in Stirling he was brought up in Aberdeenshire before going to

Aberdeen University, where he graduated with a first in economics.

There, through the athletics club he met St Andrews graduate Fiona

Vine, who worked in the university laboratories, and who he would

marry in 1961.

Charlie taught economics in Glasgow, Strathclyde and St Andrews

Universities until 1974 when he gave up academic life to return to his

family to farm at Little Ardo, Methlick in Aberdeenshire.

A sportsman of distinction across multi disciplines, he was the world

caber tossing champion in 1972, and also went on to write a book

on the Scottish Highland Games. As a journalist, roles of distinction

included being the producer of the daily Scottish Farming News for

Radio Scotland for some five years. Charlie Allan was also known for

writing and singing bothy ballads and perhaps most famously ‘The

Blue Grey Coo’.

It was at Little Ardo where he ran the well-known Ardo pedigree

Simmental herd and in 1976 bred Ardo Figaro, one of the most

noted bulls in the breed in those early days of Simmentals in the

UK. The Champion at the Perth Bull Sales in 1978 Ardo Figaro sold

for 2200gns and when the breed sale average was 866gns. Ardo

Gertrude was also Simmental breed champion at the Royal Highland

Show for George Anderson of Keir.

For all who knew him Charlie Allan was hugely talented with a life

of many varied achievements, whilst always being full of fun and

tremendous company.



James Austin Perry

Killane Herd

1951 - 2023

Austin Perry

passed away

on 16 th May

2023. He had a life-long

career in farming, was

a keen rugby enthusiast

and a stalwart of the

Royal Ulster Agricultural

Society.

Austin was enthusiastic about breeding pedigree cattle, and enjoyed

participating in many of the club’s social activities. He hosted

numerous farm walks and stockjudging competitions, and helped

to organise club tours and visits to herds and agricultural shows

throughout Scotland and Ireland. A keen competitor in the showring,

Austin judged Simmentals at many of the major shows, including the

Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire, Westmoreland, Newark and Notts,

Cheshire and Tullamore, as well as the Welsh club’s herd competition

and numerous local shows.

From a very young

age Austin helped his

father, David, to show

the Killane Herd’s Dairy Shorthorn and Hereford cattle, winning

numerous championships at Balmoral and local shows. Austin left

school and studied accountancy, before returning to the family

farm in Ahoghill, County Antrim. He worked alongside his father and

brother David, breeding pedigree cattle.

The Dairy Shorthorns were gradually replaced with British Friesians,

and eventually Holsteins; while with the Herefords were replaced

with continental Simmental and Charolais cattle. The late David

Perry Snr was one of the first forward-thinking pioneers to import

Simmental cattle into Northern Ireland. He was also a founding

member of the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club and was elected

as its first vice-chairman in 1971.

Austin shared his father’s passion for pedigree Simmentals, and over

the years the Killane prefix claimed many awards and top prices in

show and sale rings around the country.

The Killane Herd was well-known for its prolific and award-winning

Fauna and Tara cow families.

Austin was particularly delighted that four

consecutive generations of the Fauna family

won the Female of the Year and Balmoral Show

championships during the 70s, 80s and 90s.

It was in 1985 that the Simmental breed won

its first-ever interbreed group championship at

Balmoral Show. The winning trio included the

Robson family’s young bull Kilbride Farm Perry,

and two Killane Fauna females owned by the

Perry family. Over the years bulls and females

were sold all over the UK and Ireland, with a

then breed record price of 5,200gns achieved

for a female at Perth in Scotland.

Austin Perry was a dedicated member, past

chairman and long-standing committee

member of the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’

Club. He also served a six-year term on

the British Simmental Society’s Council of

Management.

Austin and brother David farmed in partnership for almost 50 years.

The Killane Holstein prefix also gained a reputation for producing

proven cow families and top-quality stock bulls with a depth of

pedigree. The Killane Herd won numerous prizes in Holstein NI’s

herd competition, and achieved Holstein UK’s coveted Master Breed

Award in 2008.

The milking portion of the herd was dispersed in November 2015 due

to retirement. Dispersal sale crowds and prices reflected the herd’s

high esteem, but the Roberta breeding line legacy lives on in dairy

herds across the UK and NI.

A member of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for 50 years,

Austin Perry served as a council member for 46 years. He was a

former Chairman of both the Cattle Committee and the Show Safety

Committee, and was Chairman of the Cattle Committee for a second

term when show relocated from Belfast to its present site at Balmoral

Park.

Austin Perry was a Vice-President of the RUAS for 18 years, and

due to health reasons retired from Council and as a Vice-President.

Following his retirement Austin was delighted to be made an

Honorary Vice-President. Austin is survived by his sister Anne and

her husband Willie, brother David and his wife Beatrice.

Austin Perry and his father David winning the Simmental

Championship at Balmoral with Killane Fauna 3 rd in 1984. They are

pictured here being congratulated by chairman Terence Robinson.



John Dykes

Mendick Herd

1942-2023

The Society

was deeply

saddened to

hear of the passing

of John Dykes, South

Slipperfield, West

Linton in July. A hugely

respected figure within

the Simmental breed,

and across the farming

and pedigree livestock

industry, John ran the

well-known Mendick

Simmental herd. Serving on the Society’s Council for a number

of years, John was also the Society President in 2005-2006, a

position he held with distinction.

A gifted livestock breeder he brought out prizewinning Simmental

and Hereford cattle, Blackface, Border Leicester and more

recently Bluefaced Leicester sheep and, along with his wife Kate,

Highland Ponies from their renowned Mendick Stud. John took

a deep interest in all aspects of pedigree livestock breeding and

at various times was appointed president of the Blackface Sheep

Breeders Association, and the Highland Pony Society, in addition

to the British Simmental Cattle Society. He was chairman of the

Scottish Bluefaced Leicester association at the time of his passing.

With a tremendous interest in, and knowledge of livestock

breeding, John was very familiar to show and sale rings where

he judged cattle, sheep, and ponies at local and county shows,

pedigree sales, and the major Royal Shows. From a young

age and as a member of East Lothian Young Farmers Club,

John excelled in stock judging competitions and went on to

international level, where he is believed to be the only person

to represent Scotland in the dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep and

poultry sections. In later years he was invited to judge cattle,

sheep or ponies at the Royal Highland Show on eight occasions,

and five times at the Royal Show. His last Royal Highland judging

assignment was only a few weeks prior to his passing and at the

2023 Show where he and Kate placed the overall Young Handlers

competition for the Dalchirla Trophy. John was judging the

Highland Pony Societies centenary show at Strathallan Castle the

weekend before his death.

A long-serving Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland

director, he was appointed chairman of the board in 2008 and

officiated at two particularly busy shows. In 2009 he hosted HRH

Princess Anne and Queen Elizabeth II in the last of her three Royal

Highland visits and in 2010 welcomed delegates to the Royal

Agricultural Societies of the Commonwealth conference held in

Edinburgh immediately after the show. John was an active Fellow

of The Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS) and served on the

board of Lawrie and Symington livestock auctioneers for several

years, where he went on to become vice chairman.

In 1967 he married Kate Kirkpatrick in Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.

They embarked on married life by setting up home at South

Slipperfield Farm, West Linton. The farm was to become their

home for 56 years and there they brought up three sons, the late

Andrew, and Hamish and Iain. Hamish and his family farm at South

Slipperfield while Iain and his family live in the Czech Republic,

where he is a director of a large-scale agricultural business. John

along with Kate, Hamish will also be remembered for the sterling

job they did in simultaneously promoting Scottish agriculture and

entertaining the nation in the 2014 BBC series Lambing Live.

A popular and respected figure within the Simmental breed and

the farming industry, John was a true gentleman in every sense,

always willing to give of his time, knowledge and experience

wholly for the benefit of others.


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SHOWS

SHOW

REPORTS

2023


SHOWS

RUAS Balmoral Show

Female & Overall Supreme Champion - Ballinalare Farm Nikita.

Ballinalare Farm Nikita

Overall Champion

at the 2023 RUAS Balmoral Show

• David and Jonny Hazelton’s

Ranfurly Lady Diana 41 st M14

takes the Reserve Overall

• Craigy Herd Wins Male

Championship

• Simmental Group of Three Wins

Reserve Overall Interbreed

• Ranfurly Weikel 45 th M11 Takes

Reserve Interbreed Continental

Heifer – Beef Recorded

Quality and breeding was to the fore when the maiden heifer

Ballinalare Farm Nikita from Mr J & Mr A Wilson, Newry, Co

Down lifted the Simmental Overall Supreme Championship

at the 2023 RUAS Balmoral Show, Balmoral Park, on Wednesday 10 th

May.

A small but strong Simmental section was presented before the judge

on the day, Stewart Stronach of the prolific Islavale herd, Berryleys

Farm, Keith on the opening afternoon of what was the 154 th staging

of Northern Ireland’s blue riband agricultural show.

The fifteen-month-old Ballinalare Farm Nikita took first prize in

the second class of the day before moving on to win the Heifer

Championship, the Overall Female Championship, and getting

the judge’s final tap out as the day’s Overall Supreme Champion.

February 2022 born, Ballinalare Farm Nikita is sired by the 14,000gns

Saltire Impressive who was also the sire of last year’s RUAS Balmoral

Show Champion. She is out of Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa whose

Granddam is a full sister of the noted Ballinalare Farm Nightrider who


RUAS Balmoral Show

SHOWS

was bought by Iain Green, Fochabers and went on

to breed well in the noted Corskie herd.

Commenting on his Champion, the judge Stewart

Stronach said:


was an outstanding

animal. Long and clean, she just

oozed breed and show character.

A really modern Simmental heifer

and a very worthy Champion.”

Long term exhibitors, the Wilsons have been

showing at the RUAS Balmoral Show for over 30

years and with many Championship wins in that

time. Perhaps most notably is Ballinalare Farm

Money Penny who won in 2004 as a heifer, before

repeating the win in 2005 with her first calf, and

completing the hat-trick in 2006 with her second

calf! This is a feat never completed previously with

a homebred animal.

Reserve Overall Supreme Champion - Ranfurly Lady Diana 41 st .

From the show the aim of the Wilsons was

to continue to show Ballinalare Farm Nikita

throughout the summer and to help with the

promotion of the fourth Production Sale from the

Ballinalare herd, and along with the Ranfurly herd,

planned to be held in September 2024.

Following the Champion through the female

section, and lifting the Reserve Overall Supreme

title, and Reserve Overall female was the winner of

the first class of the day, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41 st

M14 from David and Jonny Hazelton’s Dungannon

based 20-cow herd. October 2021 born, Ranfurly

Lady Diana 41 st is out of Ranfurly Lady Diana 33 rd

J5 18 VG88, a Raceview King daughter, and whose

pedigree goes back to the renowned Salisbury

Guinevere, the foundation female of that line.

Lady Diana 41 st is by the prolific Auchorachan

Hercules who himself was bred from a Ranfurly

embryo and which in itself is a great source of

pride for the Hazeltons. Again, regular exhibitors

at Balmoral over a number of years the Ranfurly

herd won back to back Championships in 2018,

and 2019, and lifted the Reserve Overall title last

year. Of his Overall Reserve, Stewart Stronach

said: “Again, this was another extremely good

heifer. Full of breed character she will make a

lovely Simmental cow.”

Commenting on Ranfurly Lady Diana 41 st M14,

David Hazelton said: “We’re delighted to win both

the Reserve Overall and Reserve Female titles

at this prestigious show. This heifer has always

had that bit of star quality and she was shown

successfully as a calf last year at both Armagh and

Dungannon. At this point we have plans to take

her to one or two further summer shows this year.”

Male Champion - Auchorachan Majestic 21.

Reserve Junior Champion - Craigy Notorious 22.


SHOWS

RUAS Balmoral Show

Junior Championship Lineup - Ballinalare Farm Nikita and Craigy Notorious 22.

Later in the show there was further success for the Ranfurly herd

when Ranfurly Weikel 45 th M11, who placed second to the Reserve

Overall in her class, took Reserve in the Interbreed Continental

Heifer – Beef Recorded Championship. In the Interbreed Exhibitor

Bred Pairs, judged by George Harvey, Perth, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41 st

M14 teamed up with Ranfurly Notorious 22, the February 2022 born

Auchorachan ACDC son, to take a very creditable third.

Michael Durno’s Auchorachan breeding was again evident in the

bulls with the Male Championship being awarded to Auchorachan

Majestic 21 entered and shown by William & Jane Dodd who run the

Craigy pedigree herd at Saintfield, Co Down. This September 2021

born bull was purchased at Stirling in February this year with William

Dodd saying; “We just thought this bull had something special when

we saw him as he was just full of style and not too extreme. We

were delighted to get him and now to win the Male Championship

at Balmoral with him is just a fantastic bonus. However his showing

days are now over as he is the herd’s new stock bull and will soon be

going out with the cows!”

Rounding off a cracking show day for the Dodds, the February 2022

born Craigy Notorious also won his class before placing Reserve

Junior Champion to the Overall Supreme. Craigy Notorious is by

Keeldrum Fabregas 14, and is out of the Popes Barclay daughter

Craigy Violet G6.

Come the Interbreeds the Simmental entries more than held their

own and with the Simmentals taking the Reserve Overall in the

Interbreed Group of Three in front of the judge Andrew Hughes,

Halifax. The Simmental team comprised of Ballinalare Farm Nikita;

Ranfurly Lady Diana 41 st ; and Auchorachan Majestic.

Male Champions, Auchorachan Majestic 21 and Craigy Notorious 22 with Judge Stewart Stronach with Jamie, William and Lewis Dodd.


SHOWS


SHOWS

Royal Cornwall Show

Kurlycoat Moneypenney

‘Licensed To Thrill’

At Royal Cornwall Show

• Sowenna Nemo takes Male Championship, and Overall Reserve

In June it was a huge well done to Jake Gregory, Kerling

Farm, Chacewater, Truro who lifted the Simmental

Supreme Championship and Female Championship, amidst

high winds and soaring temperatures, on day one of the

2023 Royal Cornwall Show, 8 th June with his heifer Kurlycoat

Moneypenney.

January 2021 born, Kurlycoat Moneypenney is sired by

Kurlycoat Kingsman 19, and is out of Brandane Jessie-J, a

Sterling Glastonbury daughter. Moneypenney was tapped

out as the day’s Champion, from a section of 25 Simmentals,

by the judge Vikki Wood of the noted Popes herd, Dutton,

Preston. Commenting Vikki Wood said: “Kurlycoat

Moneypenney is a well grown, stylish feminine heifer with

lots of presence. Her class and style shone on the day and

with her taking my eye as soon as she entered the ring in

what was the largest and strongest class of the day. It was an

impressive line-up of class winners in the Championship but

this Kurlycoat heifer was an easy choice for me.”

Supreme Champion Kurlycoat Moneypenney.

Taking the Overall Reserve, Male Championship, and Junior

Championship was Sowenna Nemo from Mr & Mrs Hawkey,

Higher Tregolls, Bodmin. This young April 2022 born bull is

by Sterling Gino 15 and is out of Sowenna Ilianah, a Castlegale

Eric daughter. Of her Male Champion, the judge Vikki Wood

said: “Again, Nemo caught my eye immediately and he’s a

super classy young bull, full of breed character on good feet

and legs. Nemo was a very worthy Male Champion and is just

a super young bull with a great future ahead of him.”

Lifting the Overall Reserve Female Championship was

Killiworgie Izzies Nelly from Steve & Gill Gummow, Higher

Killiworgie Farm, Newquay. This October 2022 born heifer

is by the noted AI sire Shacon Hannibal 16 EX94, and is out

of Killiworgie Chrissies Izzie EX92. Of this heifer Vikki Wood

commented: “Izzies Nelly is a beautiful Simmental heifer who

oozes quality, style and femininity. She is one to watch and I

am sure we will see her again in the future.” Earlier in the day

the 2017 born Killiworgie Chrissies Izzie EX92 had herself won

the first class and was described as ‘lovely well-balanced cow

doing a great job of her beautiful heifer calf’.

Rounding off a good day for the Killiworgie herd, the

September 2021 born bull Killiworgie Malteser took the

Overall Reserve Male Championship. This ‘well grown

modern bull with plenty of natural fleshing’, is by Islavale

Jerico 18 EX93, and is out of Killiworgie Buttercups Hannah

ET EX91.

Reserve Supreme & Male Champion Sowenna Nemo.

Team of 5.


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SHOWS

Royal Highland Show


Royal Highland Show

SHOWS

Overall Champion Annick Ginger's Lucia.

Backmuir ‘Doubles Up’ As

Annick Ginger’s Lucia Wins

At A ‘High Quality’ 2023 Royal Highland Show

• Backmuir win Overall Supreme; Male; &

Female Championships

• Corskie team wins Overall Reserve: Junior

Supreme; Reserve Overall Junior; Junior

Female; Reserve Junior Female; Reserve

Overall Female; Junior Male; & Group of

Three

• Corskie Nutmeg wins Reserve M&S

Beefbreeder Interbreed; Overhill House

Neo takes Third

Played out in some sparkling sunshine, a highquality

Simmental line up turned up the heat

and dazzled the ringside crowd on day one

of the 2023 Royal Highland at Ingliston, Edinburgh

on Thursday 22 nd June.

Judge for the day Simon Key of the noted Key

herd, Abbey Farm, Loddon, Norwich was enjoyably

put through his paces as the show of bulls and

females through the classes put on a first-class

demonstration of the modern attributes of the

Simmental breed. After some four hours of

judging the Supreme Championship tap forward

was given to the first calved heifer Annick Ginger’s

Lucia, with her classy heifer calf at foot, Annick

Lucia’s Nicosia (P), and with the outfit owned and

exhibited by Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir

Farm, Keith, Banffshire. For the Simmers the win


SHOWS

Royal Highland Show

represented the fantastic achievement of a second

consecutive Royal Highland Simmental Supreme

Championship and following their win with Islavale

Lullaby last year.

Bred by the late Lachlan Quarm, Holehouse

Farm, By Irvine, Ayrshire, Annick Ginger’s Lucia

was bought at the Annick herd’s Dispersal Sale in

September last year for 16,000gns. At the sale this

heifer had stayed at home due to having calved

the day before but the Simmers had had full sight

of her through the summer and particularly at the

corresponding Highland where she had stood

Overall Reserve to the Simmers themselves! This

high-quality February 2020 born heifer Is sired

by Wolfstar Golddigger, and is out of Annick

Colleen’s Ginger who led the aforementioned sale

at 23,000gns. Her eye-catching September 2022

heifer calf at foot is sired by Kilbride Farm Karl, a

Curaheen Gunshot (P) son. Annick Ginger’s Lucia

initially came through a high-powered head to

head in her class against team mate Brandane Lu

Lu, bred by Jimmy & Kath McMillan, Bradwell Ash,

Bury St Edmunds, and who the Simmers purchased

for 18,000gns at the Next Generation II Simmental

Sale at Carlisle in December last year.

Reserve Overall Supreme & Reserve Overall Female Corskie Mimic.

Commenting on the Supreme Champion, the

judge Simon Key said:

My choice of Champion

is an outstanding

female and just full of that special

Simmental ‘jazz’! She has a super

breed head, a great top line,

plenty of length, is tremendous on

her plates with a perfect tail head

setting, and was shown with a

cracking heifer calf at foot. She’s

everything a modern Simmental

is all about, working hard,

rearing a calf with a tremendous

future, and whilst keeping her

condition.”

It was a day of Royal Highland doubles for the

increasingly prolific 80-cow Backmuir herd with

the herd winning both the Male and Female

Championship, to add to their back-to-back

Overall Supreme titles. This was only the herd’s

third time showing Simmentals at the Royal

Highland and with their debut being in 2019 when

they picked up the Reserve Overall with Sterling

FCUK Impuls. Quite a record over three shows!

Speaking afterwards, a highly delighted Reece

Simmers said: “It’s very, very special to win the

Male Champion Backmuir King.

Junior Female & Overall Junior Champion Corskie Miami.


Royal Highland Show

SHOWS

Royal Highland, in my eyes the leading Simmental breed show. To

‘defend’ that title this year and ‘double up’ is an amazing feeling, a

great honour, and way beyond expectations. Annick Ginger’s Lucia

has all the makings of being a really high-quality Simmental cow, and

she’s doing a great job of her first calf who is herself a heifer full of

potential. In recent years we’ve bought what we feel are cornerstone

females to future proof and develop the progress of the herd. I hope

these females in time will allow us to keep improving and breed first

quality homebred Backmuir Simmental bulls and females.”

Keeping the theme, and winning their highest award to date at

the Royal Highland with a homebred animal, the March 2019 born

Backmuir King powered through against some top notch bulls to

lift the Overall Male Championship. This March 2019 born bull is

by Islavale Hamilton and is out of Starline Olivia 27 th , a Skerrington

Warlord daughter. This was a first, and likely last time, for this bull

to be shown with the intention now to turn him out over this next

few days with 25 to 30 cows. Backmuir King sons were being aimed

at the Stirling Sale in October and with the Royal Highland being the

perfect vehicle to showcase the sire’s qualities.

With general reflections on the Simmental day the judge Simon Key

said: “I’d like to heartily congratulate all of the exhibitors today for

putting on such a tremendous show of modern Simmentals. I think

that was as good a breed spectacle as you would hope to see and

just look at the crowd it held at ringside through the judging. The

breed has a real commercial momentum behind it and you can see

why. Stylish, correct bulls with length, width, shape and good on

their plates. The females were similarly just full of style, consistency

and quality, and with a lot of future in the young stock. The milk in

the Champion is a typical Simmental female hallmark and I think

these qualities, and the natural efficiencies of the breed are just

really resonating with commercial producers. At a personal level it’s

both a privilege and an honour for a ‘lad from Norfolk’ to have been

asked to judge at the Royal Highland. This is the breed’s ‘Champions

League’, the pinnacle, and I’ve massively enjoyed the day.”

No strangers to the winners circle at the Royal Highland it was

nonetheless a show day to remember for the well-known Corskie

Reserve Junior Female Corskie Namenco.

team of Iain Green, and his daughter Laura, Corskie, Garmouth,

Fochabers, with their entry of seven animals winning a remarkable

‘haul’ of first prizes and Championship titles. A roll-call of the ‘prizebooty’

secured includes: Six class first prizes and a second; the

Reserve Supreme; Reserve Overall Female; Overall Junior; Reserve

Overall Junior; Junior Female; Reserve Junior Female; Junior Male;

the Group of Three; and Reserve M&S Beefbreeder Interbreed. A

truly outstanding performance given the depth of quality in the

competition.

The sire of three of the Corskie first prize winners was Kilbride Farm

Haka who was purchased at Stirling in February 2018 for 10,000gns.

This included the day's Reserve Overall Supreme, and Reserve

Overall Female in the shape of Corskie Mimic. This January 2021

born heifer, out of Corskie Imitation, initially won the fourth class

of the day for females born on or between 1 st January and 30 th

June 2021. Last year this heifer was Overall Junior Champion at the

Scottish National Show. In the previous class the first prize ticket

went to the October 2021 born Corskie Miami with this heifer then

going to lift the Junior Female, and Overall Junior titles. Corskie

Miami is by Rathnashan Kellog’s, and is out of Corskie Hollywood

(P), a Linde General (P) daughter. Lifting the Reserve Junior Female

title, and the winner of the first class of the day, was another stylish

Overall Champion & Reserve Champion lineup.


SHOWS

Royal Highland Show

Kilbride Farm Haka daughter in the form of Corskie Namenco.

April 2022 born, Namenco is out of Corskie Framenco, a Corskie

Delboy daughter. In the final class of the day Corskie Namenco, and

Corskie Mimic teamed up with the second prize in class two Corskie

N-Enna, all sired by Kilbride Farm Haka, to win the Group of Three.

At last year’s show Kilbride Farm Haka was the sire of the Reserve

Junior Male Corskie Mikah and who himself later went on to sell for

11,000gns.

With previous Royal Highland Championships and Interbreeds

behind them over a number of years, this year’s show was arguably

the 180 cow Corskie herd’s most successful to date. Commenting

on a memorable day Laura Green said: “We are all really proud of this

Corskie team and the success they’ve had today against such a depth

of quality in the Simmental classes. We had three sires featuring in

the first prize winners but with Kilbride Farm Haka coming to the

fore. He’s leaving progeny male and female that are full of breed

characteristic, with length, both shape and growth, and with plenty

of style. There’s a lot of established, consistent, homebred breeding

in the dams in this team and that’s the first foundation for the quality

of the progeny. It was a super day for the breed as a whole and I

really think with the young bulls on show, and with females like

the Champion just full of milk and doing their calves so well, the

Simmental breed is really coming into its own.”

Making a big impression on the ringside crowd, the two young

bull classes provided an in-depth showcase of modern Simmental

bulls full of breed character, length, correctness, shape, and style.

The first class featured 13 young bulls and with a depth of quality

throughout. It was from the second class however that Corskie

Nutmeg, one of the stars of the day, emerged. This January 2022

born bull, again by Kilbride Farm Haka, and out of Corskie Jasmine,

took the red prize ticket before moving on to secure the Reserve

Overall Male, the Junior Male, and Reserve Overall Junior titles. On

the Friday morning, this stylish young bull took the Reserve title

in the M&S Beefbreeder Interbreed in front of the judge, William

McAllister, Ballymena. Standing second in the class to Corskie

Nutmeg, and following him through to take the Reserve Junior Male

title, was Blackford Nimrod from the noted 30-cow herd of Anne

MacPherson, Blackford Farm, Croy, Inverness. March 2022 born,

an ET calf Nimrod is full of breeding being by the noted show bull

Heathbrow Important (P), and is out of Blackford Wagtail, a Kilbride

Farm Strabane daughter and the dam of the record-breaking Bel Dhu

Capercaillie.

In the first class it was Corskie Netflix who came out on top of

the mighty baker’s dozen of young bulls. Sired by the prolific

Auchorachan Hercules, this April 2022 born calf is out of the Bel Dhu

Capercaillie daughter Corskie Highness. Taking second in this strong

class was the shapey Rockytop Novak from Gary & Angela Christie,

Birchfield, Glass, Huntly. April 2022 born, this bull is by Glenturk

Kingpin and is out of Rockytop Clover’s Gwen. In third place was

the eye-catching Overhill House Neo from Richard McCulloch,

Armadale, West Lothian. Again April 2022 born, Neo is the first calf

to be shown sired by the herd’s 26,000gns sire Pistyll Kingsman, and

is out of the Irish bred Seepa Daffodil. Another bull to feature in the

Interbreeds, Overhill House Neo stood as second Reserve in the M&S

Beefbreeder.


SHOWS

English National Show at the Royal Norfolk



SHOWS

Popes Princess Immie Overall Supreme Champion.

Popes Princess Immie

‘Crowned’ Champion

At 2023 Simmental English National Show

• Sterling Celia’s Fifi wins Overall

Reserve Supreme

• Cursons take the Male

Championship with Cade Nugget

• Popes Princess Noor lifts the

Overall Junior Championship

• Wacton herd wins most points

across the show classes

• Cade Nugget wins Male

Continental Interbreed

• Finlay Soutter wins Royal Norfolk

Young Handlers Championship

The high-quality Simmental summer road show moved to

the Royal Norfolk which provided the platform for the 2023

Simmental English National Show held on Wednesday 28 th

June. Close on sixty pedigree Simmentals put on a super breed

spectacle in front of the judge John Moore of the highly noted

Omorga herd, Omagh, Co Tyrone. After some strong competition

across the classes it was the six-year-old cow Popes Princess

Immie, with her bull calf at foot Popes Premier, who took the

Overall Supreme Championship title, and Champion Female title,

for Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Preston, Lancashire.

For the Popes herd of some 50 cows and followers, and which

is synonymous with producing quality Simmental females and

bulls from high end cow families, this was a remarkable two

in a row, and three out of the previous four, Overall Supreme

Championships at the breed’s English National Shows! There’s

clearly something in the Norfolk air that brings the best out of

Popes Princess Immie as she won her class as a heifer in 2019 at

the last English National held at the Royal Norfolk, and in what

was her only previous show outing other than being shown as a

calf at foot in Interbreed winning teams with her mum in 2017!

Full of breeding Popes Princess Immie is by the 20,000gns stock


SHOWS


bull Kilbride Farm Comber who the Woods say is ‘really stamping

some quality females through the herd’ and is out of the noted Popes

Princess Cleo EX95. This highly decorated show cow in her own right

was also the dam of last year’s English National Show Champion,

Popes Princess Lumi, and the dam of Popes Princess Hettie, the

mother of the 2023 Junior Champion at the English National Show,

Popes Princess Noor. For good measure, Popes Princess Immie’s

cracking bull calf at foot, the January born Popes Premier by Popes

Lethal Weapon, went on to win the prize for the Best Simmental Calf

at Foot.

Commenting at the close of the judging, John Moore said:

Popes Princess Immie is just a very

modern Simmental cow. She’s a

super easy fleshing female with a lovely

second thigh, is full of milk, and is a working

Simmental mum rearing a really good calf at

foot. Across the classes there’s been a terrific

show of Simmentals, particularly the females,

and the standard is a great credit to all of the

exhibitors who I warmly congratulate.”

Commenting on this further Championship win, Jimmy & Vikki Wood

said: “It’s really fantastic, and a great honour, to win the Simmental

English National Show. A lot of hard work and dedication goes into

the cattle by all in the Popes team and days like this continue to make

it all so worthwhile. There have been some tremendous Simmental

cattle on show this summer and today very much continued that

trend. The local breeders in the East Anglian area are producing

some great cattle and the quality of Simmental stock across the show

was of a really high standard. We’ll continue to be very loyal to both

the Simmental breed and to the English National Show as we feel it’s

a terrific shop window.”

The aforementioned Popes Princess Noor cemented another top

day for the Popes Herd when she won the Overall Junior, and Junior

Female Championships. With a connectivity in breeding, this April

2022 born ET calf is by the noted Team Celtic and out of Popes

Princess Hettie making her a full sister to the 2022 Champion Popes

Princess Lumi, and a half sister to this year’s Champion. Again, this

was a first show outing for this stylish young heifer.

Lifting the Reserve Overall Supreme, and the Female Overall Reserve,

was the senior cow Sterling Celia’s Fifi who is ‘multiply owned’ by

the Cade herd of Paul & Sharrie Cade, Paddock Farm, Buckden; the

Brandane herd of Jimmy McMillan, Bradwell Ash, Bury St Edmunds;

and the Key herd of GD Key & Sons, Loddon, Norwich. It was very

much a high powered ‘shoot out’ in the classes as this nine-year-old

cow, shown with her February heifer calf Cades Fifi’s Patience, placed

second to the Supreme Champion in the class and followed her all

the way through to the Overall Reserve. Sterling Celia’s Fifi, bred by

Boddington Estates, by Sterling Cotswold, and out of Sterling Delores

Celia, is a past winner of the English National Show having lifted the

title in 2017 as a calved heifer at the Three Counties Show. Later

that same year she was sold for 22,000gns, a then albeit briefly held

Simmental female record, at the Boddington Estate Herd Dispersal

Sale and to Harte Farms, Republic of Ireland.

Sterling Celia’s Fifi Overall Reserve.

Cade Nugget - Overall Male Champion & Junior Male Champion.

Popes Princess Noor - Overall Junior, and Junior Female Champion.

Grangewood Nobel Reserve Overall Male and Reserve Junior Male.



SHOWS

It was a major show debut to remember for local breeders Chris &

Zara Curson of the Hollybrook herd, based some ten minutes from

the showground, at Hollybrook Farm, Dereham, who lifted the

Overall Male Championship, and Junior Male Championship with

their February 2022 born bull Cade Nugget. Purchased privately in

March this year from Paul & Sharrie Cade, Paddock Farm, Buckden,

this bull is by Sacombe Jameson, and out of Brandane Kathleen, a

Blackford Hurricane daughter. On the day the bull was shown by

the Cade’s daughter Erin who was also the person who originally

halter trained Nugget! On the second day of the show, Cade Nugget

was tapped out as the show’s Interbreed Male Continental Champion

by the judge Mary Cormack. Commenting firstly on the purchase

of the bull Chris Curson said: “We first saw the bull in January this

year before buying him in March. I liked the breeding behind him

with Sterling Gino and the bull in himself is just very correct with

great lines, he’s good on his plates, walks well and just carries a

bit of style. He’ll be used on both our 20-cow-pedigree herd and

also in the 40 cow suckler herd which is predominantly Simmental

based.” More generally on their fantastic showing debut, Chris went

on to say: “Living just ten minutes away this is a show I grew up with

and have been to over many years. To now meet with this success

is truly amazing and just a tremendous honour. There’s some great

Simmental cattle in this area as we’ve seen today from a number of

breeders and the show was really competitive but in such a friendly

environment amongst supportive exhibitors.”

Following the Male Champion through from his class to take the

Reserve Overall Male, and Reserve Junior Male, was the February

2022 born Grangewood Nobel from the Leedham team of Andrew

& Yvonne, and their son Callum, from Rowan Farm, Pickering,

North Yorkshire. This calf is by Ranfurly Impeccable and is out

of Grangewood Polly’s Girl from the herd’s noted Grangewood

Polly female line. Later in the day, the Leedhams met with further

success when winning the Best Pair bred by exhibitor. Grangewood

Nobel teamed up to win this section with the second prize heifer

Grangewood Tollie’s Millie. This September 2021 born heifer is also

by Ranfurly Impeccable and is out of Grangewood Tollie’s Iris, a

daughter of Grangewood Glenlivet who had bred to price sale bulls

for the herd. Rounding off a cracking day for the herd, Grangewood

Tollie’s Natasha took the red rosette in the strong second heifer

class of the day. January 2022 born this heifer is again By Ranfurly

Impeccable and is out of Grangewood Tollie’s Hope, an Omorga

Volvo daughter.

Back in the females and taking the Senior Heifer title was Denizes

Eve’s Beauty 7 th from the Wacton herd of another local breeder

Denizes Eve's Beauty 7 th .

RE & SHW Steggles, Fieldings, Honingham, Norfolk. This heifer

purchased for 8,000gns at the Next Generation II Simmental Sale

at Carlisle in December 2022 from breeders MA Barlow & Son,

Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, is full of breeding with both parents

being Royal Highland Show Champions. Denizes Eve’s Beauty 7 th

is by Blackford Galaxy and is out of the herd’s famous Auroch Eve.

Arriving at Norfolk with a little show record behind her, Denizes Eve’s

Beauty 7 th had previously been Breed Champion at the recent Royal

Suffolk Show and where she also featured in the winning Simmental

Interbreed Pair. The 2023 Simmental English National Show proved

to be a hugely successful one with the Wacton herd perhaps most

noticeably winning the award, the Imex Plate, for the breeder and

herd winning the award for the most points in the classes. Four first

prizes, a second, and a third, went a long way to securing that, and

accompanied by a host of titles for pairs, groups, and exhibitor bred

in a remarkable day! Speaking afterwards Sam Steggles said: “Norfolk

is our home show and we could just about walk the cows here. With

it being combined with the Simmental English National Show, and

to meet with the success we’ve had, has been a truly mind-blowing

experience and is now a very high bar to exceed. To win the ‘most

points’ award with the esteemed breeders and enthusiasts that were

here is amazing and an emotional phone call has been shared with

my grandmother!”

A huge shout out also to young breeder Finlay Soutter whose

outstanding heifer Brandane Millie stood second in another highquality

class to Denizes Eve’s Beauty 7 th . On the second day young

Finlay swept all before him when he won the prestigious Overall

Championship for Young Handlers and was presented with his prize

by William, Prince of Wales.

Overall Championship.


SHOWS

Great Yorkshire Show

Popes Princess Immie Lifts

Beef Interbreed As Super

Simmentals ‘Win Big’ At 2023

Great Yorkshire

• Popes Princess Immie

Wins Beef Overall

Supreme Interbreed

• Heathbrow Natasha

lifts Overall Junior Beef

Interbreed

• Heathbrow Nationwide;

Heathbrow Natasha;

Popes Princess Noor;

and Williams Ellie’s

Nelly win Overall Junior

Interbreed Team

Simmental Champion & Beef Overall Interbreed Champion - Popes Princess Immie.

Super Simmentals stole the headlines

on day two of the 2023 Great Yorkshire

Show at Harrogate as the breed secured

a memorable hat-trick of Interbreed title wins.

Leading the way was the six-year-old Popes

Princess Immie, with her bull calf at foot Popes

Premier, from Messrs JH & VG Wood, Popes

Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancs who won this

historic show’s Overall Supreme Beef Interbreed

Championship in front of the Interbreed judge,

Gail Ellis, St Ives Cornwall.

Sired by Kilbride Farm Comber, Popes Princess

Immie is out of the much-decorated show cow

Popes Princess Cleo who herself secured the

herd’s first Overall Supreme Interbreed at the

Great Yorkshire Show in 2017 and also as a sixyear-old,

and with Immie as her calf at foot!

With rolling Interbreeds through the morning,

the Simmental breed had already secured the

Overall Junior Interbreed title through the April

2022 born Heathbrow Natasha, the Simmental

Simmental Reserve Overall Champion - Brandane Millie.



SHOWS

Junior, & Junior Female Champion from the noted Heathbrow herd

of D&L Sapsed, High Heath Farm, Hitchin, Herts. Dominating the

juniors, the Simmentals confirmed a fantastic day when winning

the Junior Interbreed. The team consisted of the Simmental

Male & Junior Male Champion Heathbrow Nationwide from the

Sapseds; Heathbrow Natasha, the Simmental Junior, & Junior

Female Champion also from the Sapseds; Popes Princess Noor, the

Simmental Reserve Junior, and Reserve Junior Female from Messrs

JH&VG Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancs; and Williams

Ellie’s Nelly, who stood third in a strong class behind both the

Junior, & Reserve Junior Champions, and exhibited by William Clarke

Livestock Ltd, Model Farm, Hevingham, Norwich.

The summer ‘major’ shows have seen some quality line ups of

Simmental cattle and the Great Yorkshire Show carried on this trend

and with exhibitors from Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire,

Lancashire, Buckinghamshire, and Scotland.

On day one on Tuesday 10 th July, the rain just about held off for the

judging and under the watchful eye of Dafydd Jones of the noted

Banwy Simmental herd, Welshpool, Powys. The day’s Champion,

Popes Princess Immie, emerged from the first female class of the

day, cow or heifer in-calf or with calf at foot, before powering

through to take the Female Championship, and the Simmental

Overall Supreme Championship. Immie is by the 20,000gns stock

bull Kilbride Farm Comber, and has been shown through the

summer with her tremendous bull calf at foot, the January born

Popes Premier sired by Popes Lethal Weapon. Commenting on his

choice of Champion, Dafydd Jones said: “My Champion is a thick,

easy fleshing cow with plenty of width. She’s just full of milk and we

can see the great job she’s doing of her calf at foot. Full of breed

character she’s just a typical modern Simmental mum!” Of his day’s

judging and the overall show of Simmentals, Dafydd Jones went on

to say:

It’s been an honour and a privilege

to judge the Simmental classes at a

renowned show like the Great Yorkshire. The

classes, particularly the females, were very

strong throughout and full of breeding

potential. Well done to all of the exhibitors

and it was terrific, and well deserved, to see

the breed go on to do so well in the Interbreed

competitions the next day.”

Overall Junior Beef Interbreed Champion Heathbrow Natasha.

Male Champion Heathbrow Nationwide.

Reserve Male Champion Newbiemains Nightrider.

The win at the Great Yorkshire Show confirmed an outstanding

‘double, double’ for Jimmy, Vikki, Hannah, and Harry Wood with the

Popes herd winning both the Simmental English National Show and

Great Yorkshire Show Overall Simmental Supreme titles in both 2022,

and 2023. Both respective Champions, Popes Princess Immie, and

Popes Princess Lumi, are out of the multi decorated Popes Princess

Cleo, herself a Supreme Interbreed title winner in 2017 at Harrogate.

Immie’s Overall Supreme Interbreed title at the Great Yorkshire, and

the Reserve Continental Interbreed at the Royal Norfolk has been

significant icing on top of another tremendous show summer.

Speaking to this further success, Vikki Wood said: “We are just blown

away to win both the Simmental Championship and this prestigious

Judge Dafydd Jones.


SHOWS


Junior Interbreed Group Champions.

Overall Supreme Interbreed. To win against the quality that was in

the Simmental lines and then against the best in show just means

everything and is very special. It’s a win for a Red Rose herd in the

White Rose county, but the Great Yorkshire Show really is one of our

favourites and we love coming here.”

Making his mark this summer is young Simmental breeder Finlay

Soutter (17), Yew Tree Farm, Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire and

who lifted the Reserve Overall Simmental title with his February

2021 born heifer Brandane Millie. Millie is the foundation female in

Finlay’s newly established Millennium Simmental pedigree herd, and

was bred by well-known breeder and stockman Jimmy McMillan,

Bradwell Ash, Bury St Edmunds. With a depth of pedigree Brandane

Millie is by the AI bull Sterling Gino 15, and out of the noted Sterling

Candy’s FCUK, a female bought at the Sterling Sale. Coming through

a strong class for heifers born in 2021, the Reserve Overall title was a

fantastic achievement for Finlay Soutter and or Brandane Millie who

the judge Dafydd Jones described as being “an upstanding powerful

Simmental heifer again with width, presence and character, and who

I have no doubt will go on to make a first quality Simmental cow.”

With the herd due to disperse in October this year due to retirement,

the summer 2023 show season was a showcase of the quality that

would be on offer at the sale from the noted Heathbrow Simmental

herd of David & Lesley Sapsed, High Heath Farm, Hitchin, Herts.

The Great Yorkshire emphasised this with the Heathbrow herd’s

roll of honours including: the Overall Junior Interbreed title; two

animals in the winning Junior Interbreed team; the Simmental Male

Championship; Simmental Junior Championship; the Simmental

Pairs; second in the cow class; and second in the Group of Three!

The Junior Interbreed Champion, and Junior Simmental Champion,

came in the shape of the classy Heathbrow Natasha. Again, with

plenty of breeding behind her Natasha is by Heathbrow Important

and is out of the imported Raceview Emerald Alicia600. Heathbrow

Important himself won the Overall Interbreed at the Great Yorkshire

in 2019. A herd built around quality female lines, Raceview Emerald

Alicia600 is from the noted Kim bloodline, and has been a top

breeding family in the Heathbrow herd. Commenting, Dafydd Jones

said: “This was a very stylish, balanced and correct heifer, and again

who has all the potential to go on to be a super Simmental breeding

female.” In one of the strongest classes of the day, Heathbrow

Natasha pipped Popes Princess Noor from the Wood family into

second place, and William’s Ellie’s Nelly from Andrew & Hayley

Clarke, William Clarke Livestock Ltd, Model Farm, Hevingham,

Norwich into third.

With a connectivity in breeding, the April 2022 born ET calf Popes

Princess Noor is by the noted Team Celtic and out of Popes Princess

Hettie, a Popes Princess Cleo daughter. This heifer, who placed

Reserve Overall Junior, won the breed Junior Championship at the

Simmental English National Show at the Royal Norfolk. Entirely

homebred, the February 2022 born Williams Ellie’s Nelly is by

Williams Josef 18, and is out of Williams Beauxbaton’s Ellie. The fiveyear-old

Williams Josef is a Clonagh Diehard Gallant son.

The aforementioned Heathbrow Nationwide won both the Male

Championship and the Junior Male Championship for the Sapseds.

This young February 2022 born bull is the first calf by the herd’s

stock bull Blackford Kirk and is out of Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy. Again

with a depth of breeding in the pedigree, Blackford Kirk is a son of

the Royal Highland winning bull Blackford Galaxy, whilst Heathbrow

Girlie’s Ivy was herself Reserve breed Champion at the 2022 Great

Yorkshire Show.

Standing second in his class to the Male Champion was Newbiemains

Nightrider from Scottish exhibitors Jim and Patricia Goldie, Newbie

Mains Farm, Annan. The February 2022 born Nightrider is by Annick

Klondyke, and is out of Newbiemains Jetstream, a Newbiemains

Golden Eye daughter.



SHOWS


SHOWS

NI Simmental National Show

‘Stand Out’ Ballinalare

Farm Nikita Wins The 2023 NI

Simmental National Show

• Coolcran Heidis Noreen takes Overall Reserve

• Champion and Reserve sired by Saltire Impressive

The maiden heifer Ballinalare Farm Nikita

from Mr J & Mr A Wilson, Newry, Co Down

continued her fine showing summer when

winning the 2023 NI Simmental National Show

Overall Supreme Championship on Saturday

22 nd July, held within the Randox Antrim Show.

Along the way, Nikita also picked up the Female

Championship, and the Junior Championship from

the judge for the day, Colin Inglis of the noted

Greencap herd at Dalachy Farm, Aberdour, Fife.

These latest high profile wins, for the now

seventeen-month-old maiden heifer, followed

on from the Simmental Supreme Championship

secured at the RUAS Balmoral Show, Belfast in

May, an Interbreed at Ballymena, and multiple wins

at various local shows.

Female, Junior & Overall Champion - Ballinalare Farm Nikita.

February 2022 born, Ballinalare Farm Nikita is

Reserve Female, Reserve Junior & Overall Reserve Champion - Coolcran Heidis Noreen.


NI Simmental National Show

SHOWS

sired by the prolific 14,000gns Saltire Impressive. She is out

of Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa whose Granddam is a full sister of

the noted Ballinalare Farm Nightrider who was bought by Iain

Green, Fochabers and has bred bulls sold up to 18,000gns for

his Corskie herd. Commenting, the judge Colin Inglis said:

“My Champion was just an absolutely stand out heifer. She has

size, power with great femininity, and had amazing style and

presence in the ring. A terrific Simmental heifer who just had it

all, and a very worthy Champion in a great show of cattle.”

Having completed a memorable ‘summer show double’, a

delighted Alan Wilson said: “We’ve very much enjoyed the

summer and the show successes we’ve had with Nikita and

against some strong competition. She’s always been a heifer

with great style, and ‘look at me’ presence in the ring.”

Taking the Reserve Overall, Reserve Female, and Reserve

Junior titles was Coolcran Heidis Noreen from Shane and Paul

McDonald, Tempo, Co Fermanagh. With plenty of breeding

behind her, the October 2022 born Noreen is also by Saltire

Impressive, and is out of Coolcran Ella's Heidi, a Dermotstown

Delboy daughter and one of the most consistent breeding cows

in the herd. Her Granddam, Coolcran Juliet’s Ella is a full sister

of Coolcran Dazzler who was Intermediate Champion at Stirling

in February 2014. It was a top drawer Championship shoot out

and the judge Colin Inglis commented on his Reserve: “My

Overall Reserve is just another high quality heifer, very correct

and with plenty of style. She was that little bit younger but a

terrific female full of potential.”

The NI Simmental National Show was the first outing for this

autumn born heifer and speaking afterwards Shane McDonald

was delighted with her performance: “Heidis Noreen is only nine

months old and she showed herself really well in competing

with the older heifers. From the word go, there has always been

something very smart and sweet about this heifer and thankfully

she seems to be living up to expectations at the moment. We

think she has all the makings to be a star of the future.”

Lifting the Male Championship was the February 2022 born

bull Craigy Notorious from William & Jane Dodd, and their

sons Jamie and Lewis, Saintfield, Co Down. Craigy Notorious

is by Keeldrum Fabregas 14, and is out of the Popes Barclay

daughter Craigy Violet G6. Also with a bit of a show record

behind him, Craigy Notorious was Reserve Male and Reserve

Junior Champion at the RUAS Balmoral Show this year. For the

Dodds it’s been quite a start to their Simmental showing careers

with back to back Male Championships at the RUAS Balmoral,

the Reserve Male, and the Reserve Junior at this year’s RUAS

Balmoral, and now the Male Championship at the NI Simmental

National Show!

Showing for the first time in some 23 years, to support the

National Show, was the noted Kilbride Farm herd of WH Robson

& Sons, Doagh, Ballyclare. The Robsons duly picked up the

Reserve Male Champion with their April 2022 born Kilbride Farm

Neymar. With polled genetics on either side of his pedigree,

Neymar is by Kilbride Farm Jetstream (P), and is out of Kilbride

Farm Eunice 287 J (P). So far eight Jetstream sons have been

sold to pedigree herds and with a top price to date of 13,000gns.

A full brother Kilbride Farm Marvel has been sold to Andrew

Clarke of the Breaghey Herd, the current Chairman of the NI

Simmental Breeders’ Club.

Male Champion - Craigy Notorious.

Reserve Male Champion - Kilbride Farm Neymar.

Overall & Reserve Champion.

Pair of Animals - Corrick herd.


SHOWS

Royal Welsh Show

• Cwarre Naughty’s Nettle takes Simmental Reserve

• Finlay Soutter wins Young Handlers Championship

Brandane Millie, Supreme Simmental Champion and Overall Interbreed Reserve.

Brandane Millie Wins

Simmental Supreme, And

Reserve Individual Interbreed

At 2023 Royal Welsh

It’s a summer that just keeps on giving for young Simmental

breeder Finlay Soutter (17), Yew Tree Farm, Ashby De La Zouch,

Leicestershire who won the Overall Simmental Supreme

Championship before going on to place Overall Reserve Interbreed

Supreme, on day one of the 2023 Royal Welsh Show at Llanellwedd

Wells, Powys, Monday 24 th July 2023, and with his February 2021

born heifer Brandane Millie.

Millie is the foundation female in Finlay’s newly established

Millennium Simmental pedigree herd, and was bred by well-known

breeder and stockman Jimmy McMillan, Bradwell Ash, Bury St

Edmunds. Full of pedigree Brandane Millie is by the AI bull Sterling

Gino 15, and out of the noted Sterling Candy’s FCUK, a female

bought at the Sterling Sale. As a young heifer Millie was successfully

shown in 2022 by Jimmy McMillan and where she won a number

of awards including the Junior Female Championship at the Royal

Highland. With a little bit of Simmental history, Finlay is believed to

Judge, Michael Barlow.


Royal Welsh Show

SHOWS

be the youngest Simmental breeder to have won one of the

‘major’ Royal titles!

Brandane Millie, who is due to calf in January, was purchased

privately by Finlay’s granddad, Doug Mash, Chesham, Bucks

and was gifted to Finlay as a birthday present to initiate his

Millenium herd. A very proud Doug was on hand at ringside

when Brandane Millie got the winning tap from the day’s

judge Michael Barlow of the noted Denizes herd, Nr Leyland,

Lancashire. Following the judging Michael Barlow said:

This is an exceptional heifer

and has everything I’d look for

in a Simmental female. She’s very

feminine, moves well, has a natural

width to her, and is full of style,

character, and quality. A terrific

Simmental heifer.”

Beyond the Simmental judging Brandane Millie moved on

to represent the breed in the Overall Individual Interbreed.

Typically judged in the late afternoon and in the natural

amphitheatre of the corner of the main judging ring, the

sun was out as a huge ringside audience watched the judge

Owain Llyr, Denbighshire, cast his eye over the Champions

from some fourteen breeds. Impeccably shown by Finlay,

Brandane Millie wowed the crowds with her quality, class,

presence, and natural style and was duly tapped out as the

Reserve Overall Individual Interbreed Champion. Rounding

off a superb week, on the fourth day of the show Finlay

powered through to win the prestigious Royal Welsh Young

Handlers competition and the second such win in the

summer and following on from the Royal Norfolk.

Cwarre Naughty’s Nettle, Reserve Overall Simmental.

Pistyll Nightrider, Simmental Male Champion.

For young Finlay at the Royal Welsh it doesn’t get much

better than winning the breed Supreme Overall, the Reserve

Individual Interbreed with Granddad Doug Mash lending a

helping hand, the Young handlers Championship, and all in

your first year of showing!

Back in the Simmental judging and taking the Reserve Overall

title was Cwarre Naughty’s Nettle from Richard Cumming,

Blaencwarre, Hermon, Carmarthen. This January 2022 born

heifer’s calf is by Clonagh Frosty King and is out of Cwarre

Hyacinth’s Knautia who goes back to the herd’s noted Rosie’s

Cadette line. Consistent exhibitors at shows and sales, the

Cwarre herd has previously won the Reserve female title at

the Royal Welsh with Cwarre Cinderella’s Firefly in 2015.

Winning the Male Championship was the June 2022 born

Pistyll Nightrider from GA & HM Francis, Pistyll Uchaf,

Abergorlech, Carmarthen. This calf is by Team Celtic and is

out of Pistyll Frances VG87, a Brookwood Alla King daughter.

Taking the Reserve Male Championship was the winner of

the first bull class Ebbsley Nice Guy from first time exhibitors

at the Royal Welsh, Mr O & Mrs E Jewell, Llwyn-Y-Fynwent,

Llangwyryfon, Aberystwyth. This February 2022 born bull is

by Gwilli Kallum, and is out of Ebbsley Ingrid 19 th , a Crackley

Flash Harry (P) daughter.

Reserve Male Champion Ebbsley Nice Guy.

Simmental Supreme & Reserve Champion Lineup.


SHOWS

Scottish Simmental National Show

Simmental Champion & Overall Individual Interbreed Popes Princess Immie.

Popes Princess Immie Powers

Through To Win 2023 Scottish

Simmental National Show

• Backmuir Overall Reserve with Annick Colleen’s Ginger

• Popes Princess Immie wins Overall Individual Interbreed

Overall Championship - Popes Princess Immie & Annick Coleen's Ginger.



SHOWS

Dumfries Show provided the setting for

the Simmental breed to put on a fantastic

2023 Scottish Simmental National Show on

Saturday 5 th August. The forecast rain just about

held off long enough for the exhibitors from the

north of England, along with exhibitors from

the north, central belt, west, and south west of

Scotland, to put on a collective quality promotion

of Simmental cattle across the classes. Both

sections saw some heavyweight shootouts as high

performing summer show cattle came together for

the first time, combined with new lines and new

faces at this years’ shows.

At the end of some three hours of intense judging

by Bridget Borlase of the noted Sacombe herd,

Watton, Hertfordshire, it was the six-year-old

Popes Princess Immie, with her bull calf at foot

Popes Premier, from Messrs JH & VG Wood,

Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancs who got the

Championship tap forward to win the Overall

Supreme Championship. Following straight on

from the Simmental judging, Popes Princess Immie

moved straight to the head to head with the other

breed Champions and where she powered through

to win the Overall Individual Interbreed and this

time in front of the judge Stephen Illingworth,

Howgillside Farm, Eaglesfield, Lockerbie.

These latest wins capped a remarkable showing

year for Popes Princess Immie as she added the

Scottish Simmental National Show, and Dumfries

Show Interbreed titles, to the Simmental Supreme

at the English Simmental National Show, and

Reserve Continental Interbreed, at the Royal

Norfolk; and the Simmental Supreme and Overall

Individual Interbreed titles at the Great Yorkshire

Show. At the Scottish Simmental National Show

the Popes herd roll call of prizes included:

Simmental Supreme Champion, Dumfries Show

Interbreed Champion, Overall Simmental Female,

and with Popes Princess Noor winning Junior

Female, and Reserve Junior Champion. Their other

heifer, Popes Trixies Mikala, also took first prize

in the class for heifers born between 1 st January

2021 & 30 th April 2021. Quite a show and quite a

summer!

Commenting on her Champion, the judge Bridget

Borlase said: “This is just a super cow and I feel

a very worthy winner amidst some really strong

competition. Immie’s not overly big but is very

well balanced and has a tremendous show ring

presence. She’s just full of flesh and carries herself

ever so well. With plenty of sparkle she oozes

femininity and is doing a great job of what is a

terrific calf at foot.” Of the day generally, the judge

went on to say: “I’d firstly like to thank the Scottish

Simmental Club, Dumfries Show, and the British

Simmental Cattle Society for the great honour of

being invited to judge this year’s high profile show.

I’d also like to congratulate the breeders and the

Male Champion Overhill House Niko.

Junior Female Championship - Popes Princess Noor & Backmuir Eva's Neva.

Male Championship - Overhill House Niko & Islavale Jabba.

Junior Male Championship - Overhill House Niko & Annick Nazareth.


SHOWS


stock people for the breed spectacle they put on today, you’d go a

long way to see a better show! The line up of prize winners from

across the female classes was outstanding and a great credit to all.

As the judge watching class after class, I can say the breed in general

is in a really healthy place which is great to see.”

For the Wood family of Jimmy, Vikki, Harry, and Hannah,and all

the supporting team the win at Dumfries ensured what has been a

marquee show year for the 50-cow Popes herd. Speaking afterwards

Vikki Wood said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to win the Scottish

Simmental National Show to cap what has been an amazing summer

show season for us. We’ve had some tremendous Popes females at

shows in past years and I think Immie is now right up there. She’s

more than done her bit and will now gracefully retire from the show

ring. The Popes herd is all about females and families, strong, proven

female lines breeding the next generation of replacement females,

and bulls for sales. The shows continue to be a tremendous and

important shop window for breeding lines and forward sales.”

The much anticipated senior cow class provided a bit of a clash of

the titans with Popes Princess Immie narrowly pipping the rising

eight-year-old Annick Colleen’s Ginger from Reece & Andrew

Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire. Bred by the late

Lachlan Quarm, By Irvine, Ayrshire, Annick Colleen’s Ginger is by

Corskie Callum and out of Annick Prudence’s Colleen EX95. She

was bought by the Simmers at the Annick Herd Dispersal Sale in

Stirling in September last year for a combined 23,000gns with her

calf at foot, and a Simmental sale breed record for an outfit. From

the class, Annick Colleen’s Ginger followed the Champion all the

way through to take the Overall Reserve Supreme title. Ginger was

shown with her February 2023 born heterozygous polled heifer calf

at foot, Backmuir Ginger’s Paprika (P). Of her reserve Overall, Bridget

Borlase said: “Again, the reserve was an extremely well balanced

cow, showed herself extremely well, and was just that bit older than

the Champion. Another super outfit and it was a very close run

competition between Champion and Reserve with both just full of

quality.”

Underlining the quality factor, the very next class saw the three year

old Annick Ginger’s Lucia, this year’s Overall Simmental Supreme at

the Royal Highland Show, win the class for cow’s born between 1 st

January 2020 and 31 st January 2020. Also bred by Lachlan Quarm,

Ginger’s Lucia was another to be purchased at the Annick Dispersal

Sale and where she made 16,000gns. Annick Ginger’s Lucia is out of

the aforementioned Annick Colleen’s Ginger and is sired by Wolfstar

Golddigger.

Making a long journey very worthwhile the Backmuir team also

picked up the Reserve Junior Female title with their January 2022

born heifer Backmuir Eva’s Neva who won the class for heifers born

between Ist January and 31 st March 2022. Also a class winner at this

year’s Royal Highland, Eva’s Neva is by Islavale Imperial and is out of

Starline Eva 25 th .

Another star from the Popes team this summer has been the heifer

Popes Princess Noor and she was at it again in Dumfries when

lifting the Junior Female and Reserve Junior Championship. With a

connectivity in breeding, this April 2022 born ET calf is by the noted

Team Celtic and out of Popes Princess Hettie making her a full sister

to the 2022 English Simmental National Champion Popes Princess

Lumi, and a half sister to Popes Princess Immie.

In a good show of bulls it was Overhill House Niko from Richard

McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian, who proved to be the day’s star

turn in this section when winning the Male Championship, Junior

Male Championship, and Overall Junior Championship. Entirely

homebred, Niko is by Overhill House Enhance, a Banwy T-Rex

son. His granddam on the sire line is Ranfurly Weikel 6 th who was

purchased as an in-calf heifer from David Hazelton. Overhill House

Niko is out of the cow Overhill House Keelo. Commenting on her

Male Champion, Bridget Borlase said: “I really liked this bull. He’s

just full of breed character, has plenty of length, and has a lovely

quality, soft flesh to him. Speaking afterwards Richard McCulloch

said: “We’re delighted to win the Male Championship and it’s been a

tremendous show of Simmental cattle, maybe the best I’ve seen at a

one-day show.”

It was great to see some senior Simmental bulls in the show ring

and from this section came the Reserve Male Champion in the

shape of the winner of Class one, Islavale Jabba from Gavin Brown’s

Springfield herd at Penicuik, Midlothian. Bred by WS Stronach,

Keith Banffshire this bull was originally purchased for 6,000gns in

2020 through United Auctions. With a show track record behind

him Islavale Jabba, ‘a well muscled senior bull that has retained his

sweetness’, took Reserve Senior Bull and Reserve Overall Male at the

2021 Live Streamed Royal Highland Show, and this year also won the

Overall Championship at Dalkeith Show. .

Standing Reserve in the Senior Males was Auchorachan Kennedy

from local breeders Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm,

Annan. This four year old bull, bred by D&R Durno & Sons, Glenlivet,

Ballindalloch, was purchased for 9,000gns at Stirling in February

2021. 2019 born he is a son of the prolific Auchorachan Hercules,

and is out of Auchorachan Gypsy EX92, a Rabawn Caesar King

daughter.

Taking the Reserve Junior Male was Annick Nazareth from the

Merkland herd of Jim & Liz Dyet, East Merkland Farm, Strathaven.

This April 2022 born bull was also bred by Lachlan Quarm and

was a further purchase at the Annick Dispersal Sale when he made

7,500gns as part of the outfit with his dam, Annick Friesia’s Kiki

VG85. Sired by Kilbride Farm Karl, Annick Nazareth has this year been

Champion at Neilston, and Ayr Show respectively, and was Reserve

Champion at Newmilns Show. Described as a bull with ‘tremendous

length and plenty of shape’, Annick Nazareth will be used as a stock

bull in the Merkland pedigree herd.

In the Pairs, it was Lindsay Currie, along with his son Robert,

Pinclanty, Pinmore, Girvan, Ayrshire who took first prize with two

very smart heifers, Braegarrie Nadia, and Braegarrie Norma who

had both placed second in their respective classes. The April 2022

born Nadia is by Woodhall Ferrari and is out of Braegarrie Julia, a

Keeldrum Geronimo daughter. The August 2022 born Braegarrie

Norma is by Overhill House Link 20, and is out of Braegarrie Giselle.

Commenting, Lindsay Currie said: “It’s the first time we’ve shown

in a while but we were thrilled to support the Scottish Simmental

National Show at a venue close to home. The heifers behaved really

well in the ring considering it was their first time out and Robert and I

are delighted to have won the Pairs class with them.”



SHOWS


SHOWS

Borderway Calf Show

Supreme & Junior Champion Delfur Nifty.

Delfur Lifts A ‘Nifty’

Championship One-Two

At The Borderway Simmental Youngstock Show

• Delfur double up in the Overall & Junior Championships

• Springfield take Senior Championship and Overall Reserve

• 60 Simmentals entered at Youngstock Show

Following hard on the heels of a record-breaking sale day at

Stirling, Simmental breeders turned their attention just four days

later to the Simmental Youngstock Show hosted by the North

West Simmental Club and British Simmental Cattle Society, and held

within the Borderway Agri Expo event at Carlisle.

After some fantastic classes featuring a high-quality entry, the judge

for the day, Heather Duff of the noted Pitmudie herd, Menmuir, By

Brechin, Angus, tapped out the classy heifer Delfur Nifty from Delfur

Farms, Rothes, Aberlour as the day’s Overall Champion having earlier

awarded her the Junior Championship. In an outstanding day for the

Delfur herd, first time exhibitors at the Simmental Youngstock Show,

Delfur Weigela N12 followed her stablemate through from the class

to lift the Reserve Junior Championship. Quite a debut day for the

Delfur herd and with the cattle being shown by well-known herd

manager Garry Patterson.

Commenting on her choice of Champion the judge Heather Duff

said: “My Champion is just a super Simmental heifer. She’s very

stylish and eye catching with a lot of breed character, she has great

Judge Heather Duff.

lines to her and is I think a very modern Simmental female with a big

future ahead of her.”

November 2022 born, Delfur Nifty is by Ballymoney Larry, a Saltire

Impressive son, and is out of Delfur Joyful, an Islavale Cassius

daughter. The Reserve Junior Champion, Delfur Weigela N12 is


Borderway Calf Show

SHOWS

also by Ballymoney Larry and is out of Delfur Weigela E12, an

Auchorachan ACDC daughter. Just for good measure the two

then teamed up at the end of the day to lift the Simmental Pairs

Championship!

Speaking afterwards Garry Patterson, who took over as Delfur herd

manager in May last year, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to win this

event from within such a big entry and across a really high standard

of Simmental cattle. The Borderway Agri Expo is a great industry

event and presents a real opportunity to build the Delfur profile and

showcase cattle in the herd. I think a lot of these two heifers but

against the level of competition you can never expect to or anticipate

winning the Overall Supreme and Junior Champion & Reserve, so a

cracking day.” The Delfur herd presently comprises of 120 breeding

females and Garry says a forward aim is simply working on the

breeding females and keeping the quality high: “We’re trying to

capture the very best of female genetics and to build on that. Some

embryo work and possibly flushing the mothers of these two heifers

will really help with that.”

The Simmental Youngstock Show saw a fantastic entry of sixty

cattle, the event's largest to date by some distance, and with entries

from nineteen breeders ranging from the north of Scotland down

through to the south of England, and from Wales. Of the general

show, Heather Duff went on to say: “I’d like to congratulate all of the

exhibitors for putting on such a great show. There was a depth in

quality in the classes that really showcased young Simmental cattle

with a lot of potential. It made my judging job a very enjoyable one

and I would like to thank both the North West Club and the Society

for inviting me to judge this prestigious event.” Along with her

parents, Arthur and Jennifer, Heather aims to build the Pitmudie herd

up to fifty calving cows to run alongside their 110-strong commercial

herd. No strangers to the showring, the Pitmudie herd have enjoyed

a terrific show summer themselves with a number of wins including

at Fettercairn, and Kirriemuir Shows respectively.

Having won the Overall Supreme, and the Reserve Supreme &

Reserve Junior Championships in two previous visits, Gavin Brown,

Springfield Farm, Penicuik was back at it again and this time winning

the Overall Senior Championship and Overall Reserve with the April

2022 born Springfield Neptune. Neptune is by the herd’s 6000gns

stock bull Islavale Jabba, and is out of Springfield Ivory, a Shiloh

Freedom daughter. Springfield Major, the champion at Borderway in

2021, and also a Jabba son, sold for 7500gns at Stirling in February

this year. Another strong day’s showing at Borderway on Friday saw

the Springfield herd pick up two firsts, three seconds, and a third in

addition to their Overall Reserve Championship win.

Reserve Supreme & Senior Champion Springfield Neptune.

Reserve Junior Champion Delfur Weigela N12.

Reserve Senior Champion Braegarrie Nadia.

Taking the Reserve Senior Championship was the classy heifer

Braegarrie Nadia from Lindsay and Robert Currie, Pinclanty, Pinmore,

Girvan, Ayrshire. This April born heifer is by Woodhall Ferrari and is

out of Braegarrie Julia, a Keeldrum Geronimo daughter. In August

this year Nadia had been part of the winning Pair at the Scottish

Simmental National Show held at Dumfries. At Carlisle the Braegarrie

herd again featured in the Pairs when winning the Reserve with the

bull Braegarrie Nightrider, an Overhill House Link son, and Braegarrie

Nigella a heifer by the same sire. In another strong day’s showing

the Braegarrie herd took three firsts, and a second along with their

Reserve titles.

Other class winners on the day came from the Pistyll herd of GA

& HM Francis; the Denizes herd of MA Barlow & Sons; Cameron

Jackson’s Future herd; and the Fishpool herd of Tom & Jenny Hassall.

Overall Champions.


SHOWS

Stars of the Future Pedigree Calf Show

Annick Lucia's Nicosia Simmental & Interbreed Senior Overall Champion.

Backmuir Simmental Wins

Senior Interbreed At Stars Of The

Future Calf Show

• Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P) wins

Simmental Senior Championship

and Overall Senior Interbreed

• Islavale Peaches wins Simmental

Junior Championship

• Finlay Soutter wins Senior Young

Handler Championship

It was a massive well done to Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir

Farm, Keith, Banffshire, who won the Simmental Overall Senior

Championship before going on to win the Overall Senior

Interbreed with their heifer calf Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P) at the highprofile

Stars of the Future Calf Show held at United Auctions, Stirling

on Saturday 11 th November.

September 2022 born, Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P) is the first calf out

Islavale Peaches Simmental Junior Champion.

of Annick Ginger’s Lucia who was purchased for 16,000gns last

year at the Annick Herd Dispersal Sale and who won the Overall

Simmental Championship at this year’s Royal Highland Show with

Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P), at foot. Annick Lucia’s Nicosia is sired by

the heterozygous polled bull Kilbride Farm Karl (P).



SHOWS

Having been awarded the Simmental Senior Female and Overall

Senior Championship by the judge Neil McIlwaine of the Corrick

herd, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone, Annick Lucia’s Nicosia (P) then

‘doubled-up’ the Championship titles when getting the Senior

Interbreed Championship nod from the judge Teresa Wilson, the

well-known Chief Cattle Steward at the Royal Welsh Show. It was

another top showing day for the Backmuir herd who in addition to

their Overall Senior Championship and Overall Senior Interbreed

titles, also went on to win Reserve Junior Female; Reserve Junior

Overall; and Junior Male Champion.

Commenting on his Senior Female Champion the judge Neil

McIlwaine said:

This was a beautifully balanced

heifer and just full of breed

character. She had tremendous length and

width, with a great top, and correctness right

through her. A really sweet heifer, she

exemplified all the traits you would look for

in the Simmental breed.”

With the Simmental Championships split into two sections, the

Junior Simmental Female and Overall Junior Champion came in

the shape of Islavale Peaches, from the prolific Islavale herd of Mr

WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith. Entirely homebred,

this April 2023 born calf is by Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93 and is out of

Islavale Honeypot VG 86, the mother of the 10,000gns Islavale Lord.

Strong supporters of Stars of the Future, this is the second year in a

row that Islavale have won the Simmental Junior and Junior Female

Championships at this event.

Delfur Nifty Reserve Senior Female.

Islavale Novak Senior Male Champion.

Of his Junior Female Champion, Neil McIlwaine said: “Another

tremendous Simmental heifer and one of the youngest on the day.

Again she had super length and conformation, moved out extremely

well, and was very stylish. Certainly a young heifer with a big future

ahead of her.”

Back in the Simmental Senior Females, the Reserve Senior Female

came in the shape of the November 2022 born Delfur Nifty from

Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. At the end of October, this heifer calf

had won the Simmental Championship at the Simmental Youngstock

Show held within the Borderway Agri Expo at Carlisle. Delfur Weigela

N12, who was Reserve Junior to Nifty at Carlisle, won Class Four at

Stars of the Future.

Chestermann Neymar Senior Male Reserve Champion.

Winning the Senior Male Championship was Islavale Novak and

another from the Stronach family. October 2022 born, Novak is

by Coose Lincoln and is out of the young cow Islavale Jazz. At

the October Stirling Bull Sale the Islavale herd sold the first Coose

Lincoln sons at sale to a top of 13,000gns, 12,000gns, and 11,000gns

respectively.

Taking the Senior Male Reserve Championship was the entirely

homebred Chestermann Neymar from N&N Gwynne, Castlewigg

Farm, Newton Stewart. Winner of the day’s opening class, the July

2022 born Chestermann Neymar is sired by Chestermann Gibble, a

Lisglass Domino son, and is out of Chestermann Ringleader Tracey

10 EX91.

Backmuir Pegasus Junior Male Champion.


SHOWS


The Reserve Junior Female and Reserve Overall Junior Champion

was another from the Backmuir herd and this time Backmuir Ginger’s

Paprika (P). February 2023 born this calf is out of Annick Colleen’s

Ginger who was purchased with her then calf at foot for 23,000gns

at the aforementioned Annick Herd Dispersal Sale, a breed record

for a cow and calf unit. Backmuir Ginger’s Paprika (P) is another

by Kilbride Farm Karl (P), the same sire as the herd’s Overall Senior

Interbreed Champion. Rounding off the Backmuir herd's day was the

bull calf Backmuir Pegasus who won Class Six before going on to

take the Junior Male Championship. Another calf just full of breeding

behind him, Backmuir Pegasus is an AI calf got by the well-known

Atlow Dixon 12 EX91, and is out of Brandane Lu Lu who the Simmers

purchased for a centre breed record price of 18,000gns at the Next

Generation II Sale held last December in Carlisle.

Backmuir Ginger’s Paprika Reserve Junior

Female and Reserve Overall Junior Champion.

The Reserve Junior Male title went to the January 2023 born Overhill

House Patrick from Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian

and with this calf initially placing second in his class to Backmuir

Pegasus. Overhill House Patrick is by Corskie Lambe 20, a Kilbride

Farm Haka son, and is out of Overhill House Italia, a Curaheen Drifter

(P) daughter.

Adding to what’s been quite a stellar year for him to date, Finlay

Soutter, Yew Tree Farm, Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire won

the Stars of the Future Senior Young Handler Championship and

whilst showing a Simmental heifer from the Blackford herd of Anne

MacPherson, Croy, Inverness, which Finlay had helped to halter

break on-farm.

Overhill House Patrick Reserve Junior Male.


English Winter Fair

SHOWS

Popes Premier Wins National

Pedigree Calf Show Interbreed

At 2023 English Winter Fair

• Fishpool Poppy wins Female

Championship & Overall Reserve

Popes Premier, Simmental & National Pedigree Calf Show Interbreed Champion.

• Jack Heath wins Overall Young

Handler with Tirley Natalie

At the opening day of the 2023 English Winter Fair held at

Staffordshire County Showground, the 30 th January 2023 born

bull calf Popes Premier, from Messrs JH & VG Wood, Popes

Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancs, won the Simmental Pedigree Calf

Championship before moving on to win the National Pedigree Calf

Show Interbreed, a first for the Simmental breed.

Sired by Popes Lethal Weapon, Popes Premier has been shown all

summer as a calf at foot alongside his multi title winning mum,

Popes Princess Immie, who amongst a welter of wins was the Overall

Supreme Interbreed Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show, and

was the Simmental Supreme Champion at both the English and

Scottish National Shows. Judging the Simmental section was Jim

Goldie of the noted Newbiemains herd, Annan, Dumfriesshire, and

who was full of praise for his Champion: “This calf had tremendous

style about him, was long and clean, and very nice over his rump. He

moved really well with good legs and feet, and is just a very modern

young Simmental bull.”

Fishpool Poppy, Female Champion & Overall Reserve.

Judging the Interbreed was the well-known commercial producer

John Hall, Penrith and who very much endorsed Jim Goldie when

commenting: “This is a very smart calf, well grown, and beautifully

brought out. Very modern he carried plenty of shape, had no gut to

him, and had a lot of class and style. I just loved this young bull and

felt he was an easy winner on the day.”

Winning the Female Championship, and the Overall Reserve in the

Simmental section, was the junior heifer calf Fishpool Poppy from

Tom & Jennie Hassall, Winsford, Cheshire. January 2023 born,

Fishpool Poppy is by Newbiemains Kalypso and is out of Kilbride

Farm Eunice 277J. From a noted female line, Kilbride Farm Eunice

277J was purchased privately from WH Robson & Sons, Ballyclare

during Covid. Of his Female Champion, Jim Goldie said: “Poppy

was a lovely, feminine heifer, with great length and just full of

breed character. Again she was good on her legs, had tremendous

locomotion and showed herself extremely well.”

Taking the Reserve Male Championship, and first in class one,

was Storersmith Navarone from local breeders R&L Storer Smith,

Ashbourne Road, Uttoxeter. December 2022 born, Navarone is

got by the AI sire Clonagh Latin Lover, and is out of Storersmith

Havannah, a Popes Barclay daughter.

Back in the females and taking the Reserve Female Championship

was the smart young January 2023 born calf Newton House Posh

from JW Gosmore Partners, Tattenhall Chester. Standing second in

its class to the Female Champion, Newton House Posh is by Lissadell

Mr Mullarkey VIP, and is out of Clonagh Krystal Posh, a Bruchag

Glenfiddich 15 daughter.

In the fantastically supported Young Handlers Championships it

was a ‘big win’ for fifteen-year-old Jack Heath, Sheaf Farm, Tarvin,

Chester, who took the Overall Championship whilst showing the

Simmental heifer Tirley Natalie of Steve White, Tarporley, Cheshire.


SHOWS

Livescot Pedigree Calf Show

Simmental Win Overall

Individual Interbreed

At Livescot

• Delfur Nifty wins

Overall Interbreed &

Simmental Supreme

• Delfur Nifty and

Delfur Weigela

N12 win Reserve

Interbreed Pairs

In what was a ‘fantastic Friday’ for Delfur

Farms, Rothes, Aberlour, the November

2022 born Simmental heifer Delfur Nifty

won the Simmental Championship and

the Overall Individual Interbreed on the

opening evening of the Scottish National

Fatstock Club’s Livescot Pedigree Calf

Show on Friday 24 th November at Lawrie &

Symington’s Livestock Market, Lanark.

Overall Simmental Champion and Interbreed Champion Delfur Nifty.

Initially put up as Simmental Champion by John Morton, Annan, in

a show of some 29 Simmental entries, Delfur Nifty then went on to

get the Overall Pedigree Championship tap from Interbreed judge

Dennis Gall, Millhill, Stirling. Rounding off a cracking evening, Delfur

Nifty then teamed up with her stablemate Delfur Weigela N12, to

take Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs. Very much a ‘Delfur dynamic

duo’, Delfur Weigela N12 had also been a class winner earlier and

had placed Overall Simmental Reserve Champion.

Delfur Nifty is by Ballymoney Larry, a Saltire Impressive son, and is

out of Delfur Joyful, an Islavale Cassius daughter. Delfur Weigela

N12 is also a Ballymoney Larry daughter, and is out of Delfur Weigela

E12, an Auchorachan ACDC daughter.

This latest Interbreed win capped a terrific run of pedigree calf

shows for these two heifers across the Simmental Youngstock,

Stars of the Future, and Livescot events with the herd’s initial aim

having been to ‘just build a little profile for Delfur Simmentals and

to showcase the type of heifers we are looking to breed across the

herd.’

Kicking off with the young bulls other Simmental class winners on

the night included the November 2022 born Braegarrie Nightrider

from Lindsay & Robert Currie, Pinclanty, Pinmore, Girvan. This calf

is by Overhill House Link, and is out of Braegarrie Hannah, a Teviot

Bouncer son.

Reserve Champion Simmental Delfur Weigela N12.

Winning the second bull calf class was Newbiemains Pacquiao.

Pulling no punches, the February 2023 born Pacquiao is by

Auchorachan Kennedy 19 EX92, an Auchorachan Hercules EX92 son,

and is out of Newbiemains Knockout VG88, a Skerrington Iceman 17

EX95 daughter. In the youngest female class of the day, it was a first

prize red ticket for Castlewigg Empire Stella 3 from Frank Gwynne,

Castlewigg Farm, Whithorn, Newton Stewart. February 2023 born,

this young lady is a Sterling Empire 13 EX94 daughter, and is out of

the herd’s noted Castlewigg Stella Data.


NI ‘4 Breed Calf Show‘

SHOWS

Super Simmentals

At NI ‘4 Breed Calf Show’

• Ranfurly Nunez ET wins

Senior Champion

• Breaghey Class P477 lifts

Junior Champion

There was a strong display of entries

from Northern Ireland Simmental Club

breeders at the ‘4 Breed Calf Show’ held in

Dungannon Mart on 25 th November. The breed

was well represented with consignments from a

number of leading NI herds on show throughout

seven good classes.

Breaghey Class P477 Overall Junior Champion - 4 Breed Calf Show 2023.

It was the males who topped the Senior section, with Ranfurly Nunez

ET, from the Hazelton family, Dungannon being crowned as Senior

Champion. This Woodhall Ferarri son out of Raceview Fancywinty, a

cow who has had a number of other successful progeny including

Ranfurly Jackpot and Ranfurly Stella 12 th , 2022 Reserve Champion at

Balmoral Show. This flashy September calf caught the eye of judge,

Matthew Robson, Kilbride Farm herd, Doagh, who had the difficult

task of placing animals on the day.

Reserve Senior Champion went to Craigy Neo, from the Dodd

family, Saintfield. This is an October 2022 calf, sired by Keeldrum

Gambler and homebred Craigy Beatrice J6 who was placed second

to Ranfurly Nunez in the Senior Bull class. Lisglass Nectar, sired

by Alchester Kracker and Lisglass Noelle, sired by Omorga Jaguar,

from the Weatherup family, Ballyclare were placed first and second

respectively in the Senior heifer class.

In the junior section, heifers dominated. Breaghey Class P477 bred

by Andrew Clarke, Tynan took home the Junior Champion title. This

heifer, out of Omorga Horton and the Breaghey Class I286 maternal

line stood out on the day and was described as ‘a super example of

the Simmental breed, being modern, stylish and mobile, and who

stood out in a strong class of eight entries’. Ballinalare Farm Polly, J

& A Wilson, Newry was placed second in this class. Ranfurly Weikel

52 nd was placed as Reserve Junior Champion after being placed

first in the heifer calf class born on or after 01/04/2023, with a

strong nine entries. This is a Ranfurly Limelight daughter out of the

noted Ranfurly Weikel maternal line. Lisglass Prince, out of Omorga

Jaguar and Lisglass Lulu from the Weatherup family, were placed

first in the Junior Bull class born before on or after 01/01/2023. This

was followed by Hiltonstown Premier, Richard and Rhys Rodgers,

Portglenone in second.

In the bull calf class, born on or after 01/04/2023, Drumacritten

Peter, Nelson family, Rosslea was placed first, with Hiltonstown

Powerhouse, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, coming in second. There

was also a super consignment of entries to the Pairs class. The Craigy

herd, Dodd family, took first place, followed by Pointfarms herd,

Ranfurly Nunez Overall Senior Champion - 4 Breed Calf Show 2023.

William Dodd and David Connolly with Craigy Neo & Craigy Beatrice 1 st prize pairs.

Matthew Cunning and the Lisglass herd, Weatherup family, in third

place.

A good number of young members excelled in the Young Handlers

class which extended across all four breeds. Jamie and Lewis Dodd

were placed second and third respectively in the eight to twelve age

category, Rhys Rodgers and Rachel Hamilton were placed first and

third respectively in the 13-16 age category and Thomas McAlister

came out on top in the 17-19 age category.


SHOWS

Cornwall Pedigree Beef Calf Show

Bosahan Paloma Estelle (P) Wins

Overall Interbreed At Cornwall

Pedigree Beef Calf Show

• Bosahan Nightfall (P) takes Senior

Calf Continental Championship

John and Bridget Olds, Bosahan Farm, Falmouth, Cornwall,

prevailed over some seventy calves representing eight breeds, to

win the Overall Supreme Championship at the Cornwall Pedigree

Beef Calf Show in October with their stylish heifer calf Bosahan Paloma

Estelle (P). For good measure, and on a top show day for the herd,

the young bull Bosahan Nightfall (P) won the Senior Calf Continental

Championship.

Regular supporters of this prestigious calf show, this is the fourth

occasion that the Bosahan herd has won the Simmental Championship

following wins in 2012, 2014, and 2018. This year was however the

herd's first Continental Championships, having stood Reserve twice

previously, and first Interbreed Overall Supreme. Way to go!

January 2023 born, Bosahan Paloma Estelle (P), a heterozygous polled

heifer, is by the stock bull Kinclaven Infusion 17 (P) EX92, and is out

of Bosahan Estelle Alesha EX 91 by the herd’s noted and influential

sire Skerrington Armada. Estelle Alesha EX91 goes back to one of the

Bosahan foundation cows Beanhill Penny. Commenting Bridget Olds

Bosahan Paloma Estelle (P) Cornwall Pedigree Beef Calf Champ 2023.

said: “We think Paloma Estelle is a very stylish heifer who has length,

is good on her plates with a neat tail setting, and is correct on her

feet and legs. It was her showing debut and she handled that so well

and just had that little bit of sparkle and presence in the ring.” With

similar breeding, the October 2022 born Bosahan Nightfall (P) is also

by Kinclaven Infusion 17 (P) and is out of Bosahan Flirty Tresor EX 90,

another Skerrington Armada daughter.

BRANDED

CLOTHING

AVAILABLE

Soft shell jackets; hoodies; gilets; T-shirts; polo

shirts; baseball caps; wooly hats and beanies

View and order online at

britishsimmental.co.uk/shop/


South Eastern Primestock Winter Fayre,

Cornish Winter Fair & Welsh Multibreed

Pedigree Beef Calf Championship

SHOWS

Boars Head Wins Supreme Champion

At South Eastern Primestock Winter Fayre

A

strong season of winter prime stock wins for the Simmental

breed continued when Boars Head Nelly 16, from Rhys

Grenham, Boars Head, Crowborough, East Sussex, won

the Overall Supreme Calf Championship at the South Eastern

Primestock Winter Fayre held at the South of England Showground

at the end of November. An eight-month-old heifer calf, Boars

Head Nelly 16 is by the herd’s stock bull Islavale Jammydodger,

purchased in 2020 for 7,600gns, and is out of Boars Head Nelly 8 th ,

a Drumsleed Explosion 13 daughter. Great to see the Simmental

breed in such profile in the South of England.

Boars Head Nelly 16 Supreme Champion.

Tregnether Polly

Wins Young

Pedigree Beef

Champion

At Cornish Winter Fair

Tregnether Polly Champion.

It was another Simmental win in Cornwall when Steph Hooper and David Reeves, St Columb Major, lifted the Young Pedigree Beef

Champion at the Cornish Winter Fair on Sunday 19 th November with their heifer Tregnether Polly. January 2023 born, Tregnether Polly is by

the homebred Tregnether Jackpot 18, a Sterling Gino 15 son, and is out of Treverbyn Esme.

Pistyll Pablo Wins 2023

Welsh Multibreed Pedigree Beef Calf Championship

The January 2023 born Simmental bull calf Pistyll Pablo from

GA & HM Francis, Pistyll Uchaf, Abergorlech, Carmarthen,

won the Overall Continental Interbreed and Simmental

Championship at the 2023 Welsh Multibreed Pedigree Beef

Calf Championship held at Carmarthen Market on Saturday 9 th

December. For the Pistyll herd this was the second year in a row

they have lifted the Interbreed title having won the inaugural event

with the young bull Pistyll Nitro, a Ballinalare Farm Galaxy son.

This year’s Champion Pistyll Pablo is one of the first calves by the

herd’s stock bull Pitmudie Lancelot 20, who was bought at Stirling

for 8,200gns in February 2022, and is out of Pistyll Ivy, a Carbery

Fintona daughter. The Reserve in the Simmental section was

Cefngwlad Prince Harri from Anwen Jones, St Clears, Carmarthen.

This four-month-old bull calf is by Penwern Merlin 21, and is out of

Cefngwlad Nutmegs Gold EX93.

Pistyll Pablo Continental Interbreed Champion

2023 Welsh Pedigree Beef Calf Show.


Manor Park Simmentals

Livestock always for sale

Corskie Ebay

Manor Park Lachlan

Manor Park Hansome

Manor Park Hayden

Semen available from Manor Park Hansome

Clive: 07703 488277 Harry: 07891 883028 Home: 01461 600203 Email: houldey@btconnect.com


Kirtleton House, Waterbeck, Lockerbie, DG11 3HD

DRUMSLEED & TEAM SIMMENTALS

SEMEN FOR SALE £30 PER STRAW +VAT

FROM OUR SHARED HERD SIRE.

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NEGOTIATOR

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CONTACT

GERALD & MORAG SMITH 07974 746855

ROBERT MACGREGOR 07801 688890


REGIONAL

CLUBS

Join the Simmental Club in your area

The British Simmental Cattle Society has eleven

affiliated Regional Clubs covering all of the

geographies of the UK. The Clubs are a fantastic

starting point for members to come together, share

and discuss breed knowledge, mix and socialise, and

act as a focal point of all things Simmental both in the

area and nationally.

With a wide and varied programme of annual

activities, the Regional Clubs play an important part

in the ongoing promotion and development of the

Simmental breed in their respective geographies.

Varied across the regions, Club activities in a typical

year include commercial open days; pedigree herd

visits; Club trips around the UK; annual pedigree herd

competitions; club meetings with industry speakers;

regional club sales; stockjudgings; technical days and

visits; knowledge exchange opportunities; and annual

dinners & social evenings. Extending the ‘Simmental

reach’ there is also plenty of support and crossover

with the Clubs and Society working closely together

at open days, sales, summer shows, winter fairs, and

national industry events.

Whether you are a new or established member, the

Regional Clubs are a fantastic means of getting to

know breeders and cattle in your area and beyond,

having a bit of fun with like-minded people, and

facilitating the knowledge exchange opportunities that

come with that. If you would like to join or discuss any

aspect of your local Regional Simmental Club, then

please contact the Club Chair or Secretary in your area

as listed.

The following montage of pictures is just a flavour of

regional club activities in the 2023 year. For full annual

reports from the Regional Simmental Clubs then please

visit the Society’s website at: www.britishsimmental.

co.uk/regional-clubs/


REGIONAL CLUB REPORTS



REGIONAL CLUB REPORTS


AREA CLUB OFFICERS

CHAIRPERSON

SECRETARY

1. SCOTLAND

Mr Jim E Dyet

East Merkland Farm, Sandford, Strathaven,

Lanarkshire ML10 6PR

Mobile: 07831 830488

Email: eastmerkland@gmail.com

Mr. Richard Pettit

Den Farm, Fochabers, Morayshire, IV32 7PQ

Mobile: 07739 079403

Email: rmspettit71@gmail.com

1

2

2. NORTH EAST

Andrew Leedham

Rowan Farm, Lockton, Pickering, N Yorks

YO18 7NU

Tel: 07835 254858

Email: grangewood13@gmail.com

Katie Boyes

Deerholme Grange, Marishes, Malton, North

Yorkshire, YO17 6UG

Tel: 07495 667532

Email: bigkb98@icloud.com

4

3

3. NORTH WEST

Clive Houldey

Kirtleton House, Waterbeck, Lockerbie

DG11 3HD

Mobile: 07703 488277

Email: houldey@btconnect.com

4. NORTHERN IRELAND

6

7

5

8

Andrew Clarke

19 Breaghey Road, Tynan, Co Armagh

BT60 4SU

Tel: 02837 568699

Mobile: 07756 021706

Email: andrewclarke90@hotmail.co.uk

Ryan Gilmour

42 Caulfield Road, Dungannon BT70 3NG

Tel: 02885 557297

Mobile: 07902 696127

Email: rgilmour1@hotmail.co.uk

10

9

11

5. MIDLANDS

Hannah Wood

Popes Farm, Clitheroe Road, Dutton, Preston

PR3 2YT

Mobile: 07738 643229

Email: hannahv.wood@hotmail.com

Andrea Booth

Gun Lane Farm, Gun Lane, Nether Heage,

Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 2JX

Mobile: 07774797344

Email: andrea.booth@talktalk.net

CHAIRPERSON

SECRETARY

6. WALES

Merion Jones

Pantyrefail, Llanfynydd, Carmarthen,

Carmarthenshire SA32 7UE

Tel: 07718 754716

Email: meirionjonespantyrefail@gmail.com

Helen Price

Cwrt Mawr Farm, Felindre, Swansea SA5 7PN

Tel: 07957 678338

Email: helenprice79@talktalk.net

9. SOUTH WEST

Mr A J Curry

Lowerdown Farm, Felton, Bristol, Somerset,

BS40 9UF

Tel: 01275 472268

Mobile: 07546 207496

Email: ljajcurry@hotmail.co.uk

Rachel Reed

Well Farm, Bickleigh, Tiverton EX16 8HQ

Tel: 01884 855508

Mobile: 07866 259995

Email: well.farm@btinternet.com

7. CENTRE WEST

10. CORNWALL

Richard Price

Old Woodbury Farm, Drove Road, Gamlingay,

Sandy, SG19 2HS

Email: richard.price@lowther.co.uk

Clare Price

Old Woodbury Farm, Drove Road, Gamlingay,

Sandy, SG19 2HS

Mobile: 07887 753324

Email: whalegreensimmentals@gmail.com

Mr B R Wynter

Bolankin Farm, Crows-An-Wra, St Buryan,

Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6HY

Tel: 01736 810787 / 07590 501096

Email: brwynter@outlook.com

Bridget Olds

Bosahan Simmentals, Bosahan Farm,

Constantine, Falmouth, TR11 5QB

Tel: 01326 340976 / 07890384094

Email: oldsbosahan@aol.com

8. EAST ANGLIA

11. SOUTH EAST

James Brice

Cloverfield Farm, Rendham Road, Kelsale,

Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2AJ.

Mobile: 07766 202755

Email: jamesrobinbrice@gmail.com

Zara Curson

Hollybrook Farm, Pound Lane, Welbourne,

Dereham, Norfolk NR20 3LG

Mobile: 07824 380334

Email: zaradack82@hotmail.co.uk

Bridget Borlase

Sacombe Hill Farm, Sacombe Hill, Watton at

Stone, Hertfordshire, SG14 3NL

Tel: 07850 443136

Email: info@bridgetbs.co.uk

Brenda Hide

42 Strand Meadow, Burwash, Etchingham,

East Sussex, TN19 7BP

Tel: 07703 277600

Email: brendahide@hotmail.co.uk


Ballinalare Farm

S I M M E N T A L S


RUAS Simmental Champion

Ballymena Show Interbreed Champion

Armagh Simmental Champion + Reserve Interbreed

Newry Simmental Champion

Castlewellan Simmental Champion + Reserve Interbreed

Antrim Simmental Champion + Reserve Interbreed

NI Female of the Year

Bannhill Farm

Masterpiece

Stirling Champion

28,000gns NEW NI RECORD

Ballinalare Farm

Legacy

Full brother to Masterpiece

1 st Stirling 10,000gns

Full ET sisters to Nikita + Masterpiece will be offered for sale

4 TH PRODUCTION SALE SATURDAY 7 TH SEPTEMBER 2024

A&J Wilson

78 Castlewellan Road, Ratherland Newry Co. Down N.I

Joe: 07517 461408 Alan: 07871 351686

Semen for Sale:

Camus Brandy

Corskie Callum

Auchorchan Wizard


MODERN, VERSATILE OVERHILL HOUSE

SIMMENTALS

PROVING TO BE THE

WHOLE PACKAGE

It’s been a record-breaking year to remember for Overhill House

Simmentals and owner Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian.

Here we profile the 130-cow herd, look at it’s history, and some of the

breeding philosophies behind its ongoing progress and development.

The team at Overhill House Simmentals had

an unforgettable year in 2023 – topping

the Stirling multibreed sale in May at

16,000gns and the Carlisle sale the same month

at 10,000gns, then achieving a new breed record

of 46,000gns at Stirling in October and finishing

the year in style, selling a heifer at 18,000gns at

the Nxt Generation sale in December! That level

of success can never be guaranteed, but despite

the unpredictable nature of pedigree breeding,

the herd’s owner and founder, Richard McCulloch,

says the highs have certainly outweighed the

lows, since introducing Simmentals to his farm at

Armadale, West Lothian, 20 years ago.

Richard’s passion for farming developed as a child,

when he would regularly visit a local farm that was

owned by friends of his parents. After building up

a successful demolition business, his childhood

dream was realised when he and his wife Lisa

purchased a smallholding with 40 acres in 1993,

marking the beginning of their farming journey.

Pictured (back) Richard & Lisa McCulloch, with Scott Gilmour & Donald Rew.


The record breaking 46,000gns Overhill House Neo.

Richard explains: “From that initial 40 acres, we

gradually increased the acreage over the years

and we purchased Overhill House in 2004. It

had previously been a dairy, complete with old

byres, so we started from scratch developing the

steading.”

Based at Overhill House with their sons Kier (13)

and Cameron (12), while their older sons Johnston

and Mac work in the family’s demolition and

recycling business, Richard and Lisa are now

farming 1000 owned acres, with a further 200

acres rented. There are currently 130 Simmental

cows in the herd, which run alongside a small

Charolais herd and a flock of 850 breeding ewes.

For that enterprise, they have stockman Scott

Gilmour, part-time shepherd Thomas Marshall

and ‘all-rounder’ Donald Rew. Freelance stockman

Brian Wills also helps out and has been a great

source of advice for stockman Scott, who began

working in the demolition side of the business

before showing a keen eye for cattle.

“Our first experience of Simmentals was when I

bought a bull from Andy Ryder’s Ryden herd, to go

on the Blue Grey cows that we had at the time. I

was really impressed by the bull and by the calves

that he left, and I got to like the breed in general

– it seemed a versatile breed with a docile nature,

so I decided to buy some pure females,” explains

Richard.

Aiming for easy fleshing animals with good feet

and legs, Richard bought from various herds,

including Fole and Corskie, and travelled to Ireland

to buy some bloodlines from there. He boosted

the numbers significantly in 2012 by purchasing 50

females from Hector McCaskill’s Woodhall herd,

including several daughters of Raceview All-Star

KK.

“We still introduce new bloodlines occasionally,

but we try to keep the herd as closed as possible

now, other than buying in bulls,” says Richard.

Stock bull purchases have proved key to the

development of the herd, and one of the earlier

ones, Curaheen Drifter, certainly left his stamp

on the daughters that he bred. Richard describes

them as ‘excellent females – square cattle, with

FARM FACTS

Overhill House

Farm, West Lothian

• 1000 owned acres, +200

rented

• 850 breeding ewes

• 130 Simmental cows, small

Charolais herd

• 2.5 - 3 years age at first

calving

• Spring calving March - June,

25x to calve in September

• 94%+ calves reared

• 7 to 8 calf crops


great ends.’ He did exactly the job that they hoped

he would, while other bulls that have clicked

particularly well with the Overhill House females

have been Aultmore Goliath, bought for 16,000gns

in 2017 and the 24,000gns Islavale Heston,

bought in 2018. Heston sired Overhill House Neil,

the bull, out of a Drifter daughter, that took the

champion title at Stirling in May, 2023, and sold for

16,000gns – an all-breeds record price at that sale.

Another son of Heston, Overhill House McCoy,

was champion at the Carlisle sale in May and sold

for 10,000gns.

Kingsman sons, Overhill

House Neo and Overhill

House Nestor sold at 46,000gns

and 13,000gns respectively, at

Stirling in October ‘23, while his

daughter Overhill House Neva,

sold for 18,000gns at Carlisle’s

Nxt Gen sale in December.”

In February, 2021, Richard paid his highest

price to-date for a bull, when he bought Pistyll

Kingsman for 26,000gns at Stirling. He was initially

drawn to the Woodhall breeding in his pedigree

which he thought would do well with his females,

and then considered him an ‘outstanding’ bull at

the sale. His instincts were right – Kingsman sons,

Overhill House Neo and Overhill House Nestor


sold at 46,000gns and 13,000gns respectively, at

Stirling in October ‘23, while his daughter Overhill

House Neva, sold for 18,000gns at Carlisle’s

Nxt Gen sale in December. There are four more

impressive sons heading to Stirling in February

2024.

Neo, which secured the pre-sale championship at

Stirling before smashing the breed record, is out of

Seepa Daffodil, bought at Roscommon in 2014 for

€8000. Richard says: “I was drawn to her at the sale

as she was a lovely, feminine heifer, with plenty

length and not too extreme – and red coloured,

which I like too.” One of only a few select females

to have been flushed in the herd, Daffodil had

consistently bred sons that sold at 6000-7000gns,

prior to 2023.

Due to the unpredictable weather conditions in

the winter, the majority of the herd is now set to

calve in the spring, between March and June, with

a further 25 calving in September. They calve at

between 2.5 to 3 years old and are given precalving

minerals six weeks prior to calving.

“We’ve moved to mainly spring calving this year, so

we can get them out to grass as soon as possible.

It’s a lot healthier for the calves as we were finding

they weren’t getting off to the best possible start

being inside in the winter, with the often mild,

damp weather conditions,” says Richard.

It makes for a busy spring though, as the lambing

of the Blackfaces, Cheviots and Mules, begins

inside, around 12 th April. Texel cross lambs out of

the Mules, plus any surplus others that are not kept

as replacements, are finished off home-grown

kale, which helps keep ever rising feed costs down.

They also grow 150 acres of barley, mostly for their

own use, with the rest bruised and sold to a few

local farms.

“We select the best of the bull calves for future

sales and the rest are kept entire, finished on

home-grown barley, with minerals and straw, and

sold through ABP at 14/15-months-old, killing out

at 400-420kg d/w and achieving U grades. The

heifers are mostly kept for replacements, with one

or two of the best kept for the Nxt Gen sale, and

some sold for breeding or as recipients.

“We keep the herd quite young, generally

up to eight or nine years old, really for easier

maintenance and also because we can get a good

cast trade for the older cows,” adds Richard. In

fact, a nine-year-old Overhill House cow won

the Christmas show and sale at UA Stirling in

December, selling for £2100.

Other than rising costs, the other challenge always

at the forefront is herd health, which is why they

are very particular when it comes to buying in any

animals and also when exhibiting at shows, which

the herd has enjoyed a fair amount of success at

over the years. Some of the highlights, outwith the

pre-sale shows, include Curaheen Drifter winning

the inter-breed title at Stirling Show and Overhill

House Neil securing the junior championship at

Stars of the Future. At the Scottish National show

at Dumfries last summer, Overhill House Niko, a

son of the home-bred Overhill House Enhance,

finished up overall male and junior champion and

went onto sell for 12,000gns at Stirling in October.

The Simmental in this

country is now a really

modern, versatile animal that has

the whole package – milk,

docility, and conformation. I’ve

no doubt that it’s a breed going

from strength to strength and

that is clear from the increased

demand.”

In addition to being a good shop window for the

herd, shows and events also provide the chance

to mix with and get to know fellow breeders,

which has been part of the appeal of the breed for

Richard. He feels the breed has hugely improved

over the past 10 years or so.

“The Simmental in this country is now a really

modern, versatile animal that has the whole

package – milk, docility, and conformation. I’ve

no doubt that it’s a breed going from strength

to strength and that is clear from the increased

demand. We’ve seen a massive boost in demand

ourselves at sales, and privately, and have a lot of

repeat customers coming back, so they must be

doing a good job. The society do a brilliant job of

promoting the breed too, which definitely makes a

difference.

“Farming’s never going to be easy and we’ve had

lots of knocks along the way, but when you have a

good day, it makes it all worthwhile!” adds Richard.


SALES

BSCS SHOW, SALE,

& EVENT DATES 2024

Please see here a list of provisional BSCS sale, show, and general event dates for 2024. As always, these dates

are correct at the time of publication but in instances may be subject to change. Where any dates are changed,

updates will be notified to members through email, social media, and the Society’s website.

FEBRUARY

Stirling Bull Sales, United Auctions

Aberdeen & Northern Marts, Thainstone

MARCH

Dungannon Sale, Bulls & Females

Melton Mowbray Multi Breed Sale

19 th

28 th

22 nd

23 rd

AUGUST


(within Turriff Show)

Northern Ireland National Simmental Show

(within Enniskillen Show)

Welsh National Simmental Show

(within Pembrokeshire Show)

4 th – 5 th

10 th

14 th /15 th TBC

APRIL

Beef Expo at North West Auctions, Milnthorpe

BSCS Worcester Sale

27 th

27 th

OCTOBER

Cornwall Pedigree Calf Show, Wadebridge

Stirling Bull Sales, United Auctions

19 th

21 st TBC

MAY

Stirling Multi Breed Sale

Carlisle Sale (Multi Breed), H&H

Royal Ulster (Balmoral) Show, Belfast

JUNE

Scotsheep, Aikengall Farm, Innnerwick, Dunbar

Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge

Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, Edinburgh

English Simmental National Show

(within Royal Norfolk Show)

JULY

Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate

Royal Welsh, Llanelwedd

6 th

10 th – 11 th

15 th – 18 th

5 th

6 th - 8 th

20 th – 23 rd

26 th – 27 th

9 th – 12 th

22 nd – 25 th

NOVEMBER

NW & BSCS Pedigree Youngstock Show

(within Borderway Agri Expo, Carlisle)

Stars of the Future, Stirling

English Winter Fair, Staffordshire

Agriscot

Live Scot (Scottish Winter Fair), Lanark

Welsh Winter Fair, Llanelwedd

Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb

NI Calf Show, Ballymena Mart

DECEMBER

BSCS Next Generation Sale IV, H&H, Carlisle

Welsh Pedigree Calf Show, Carmarthen Livestock

Market

1 st

9 th

16 th – 17 th

20 th

22 nd – 23 rd

25 th – 26 th

26 th

30 th

6 th

14 th TBC


SALES

SALE

REPORTS

2023


SALES

Stirling February


Stirling February

SALES

Bannhill Farm Masterpiece - 28,000gns.

28,000gns Bannhill

Farm bull leads the

way at Stirling

• 97 bulls average a new February record

of £7,260, up £425 on the year

• Clearance rate of 88% with eight more

bulls sold on the year

• 28,000gns bull sets a new Northern

Ireland Simmental record

• Two bulls break the 20,000gns mark

with twenty bulls in all at 9,000gns and

over

• Bulls sell to all four home nations, and

with nine heading to Orkney

There was a snap, crackle, and record-breaking pop to the

Simmental Bull Sale at United Auctions, Stirling, on Monday 21 st

February, with some fierce bidding from start to finish generating

a new breed record average at this fixture of £7,260, up by £425 on the

year and for 97 bulls sold, up by eight on the year. With commercial

breeders again going head-to-head with pedigree breeders for the

quality bulls on offer, the sale continued the surge in demand for

Simmentals with this being the fourth Stirling fixture, and fifth Society

Sale, in a row where a new record mark has been set.

Leading the sale at 28,000gns, and setting a new record top price for

a Simmental bull from Northern Ireland, was the stylish Bannhill Farm

Masterpiece from Alan Wilson, Rathfriland, Co Down. In the pre-sale

show, in front of the judge Colin Fordyce who runs the Blair herd at

Islabank Farm, Meigle, Blairgowrie, and is also herd manager at Strathisla

Farms, this June born bull won the Intermediate section before going

on to lift the Overall Supreme title. Commenting on his champion, Colin

Fordyce said: “This is a typical and modern Simmental bull with a lot of

class. He had tremendous length with plenty of shape but is not extreme.

Really good across the plates, he had good legs, walked well, and really

showed himself. A quality bull and a worthy champion from within a


SALES

Stirling February

strong show of Simmentals.” Come sale time, there was a tingle in

the air as Bannhill Farm Masterpiece raced through the gears before

reaching 28,000gns and being knocked down to Noel Kilpatrick who

runs the Ballymoney pedigree herd at Banbridge, Co Down.

Bannhill Farm Masterpiece is sired by the 12,000gns AI bull Kilbride

Farm Bantry and is the fifth calf bred out of his dam Ballinalare Farm

Evita, a full sister to the noted Ballinalare Farm Galaxy and by the

21,000gns Auchorachan Wizard.

Hiltonstown Matrix - 20,000gns.

Islavale Mufasa - 16,000gns.

Backmuir Moonshine - 15,000gns.

Blackford Mars - 14,000gns.

It was a terrific day for Northern Irish breeders with the top two

prices both coming from the province. Selling at 20,000gns was

the much-admired Reserve Junior Champion Hiltonstown Matrix

from Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, County Antrim.

September 2021 born, this calf is by the noted sire Saltire Impressive

and is out of the Kilbride Farm Warren daughter Hiltonstown India

Rose GP 83. Full of style and breeding, Hiltonstown Matrix also had

good performance figures, being in the top 5% of the breed for

400 and 600 day growth, and having a +7 figure for Maternal (Milk).

Purchasing this bull was Ross King for the family’s noted Wolfstar

pedigree herd at Ormiston, East Lothian. Wolfstar run 180 cows, 60

of which make up the pedigree herd, and the 20,000gns price is the

highest they have paid for a Simmental bull to date. Later in the day

the July 2021 born calf Hiltonstown Magnificent, a Dermotstown

Delboy son, made 9,000gns when selling to A Bell & Co, Towie Farm,

Fraserburgh.

Selling at 16,000gns was the Junior Champion in the shape of

Islavale Mufasa from the Stronach family, Berryleys Farm, Grange,

Keith. This October 2021 born bull is from a strong breeding line

with both parents being classified as EX93. Mufasa is sired by the

successful herd sire Corskie Highlander EX 93, who has bred other

sons to 18,000gns. Mufasa’s dam is Islavale Amanda 2 EX 93 (EX2).

Snapping up this bull was Barker and Borlase, Sacombe Hill Farm,

Watton At Stone, Hertfordshire, who run the long established

Sacombe and Perrywood herds. The Islavale team carried on their

prolific sale form with ten bulls on the day averaging an excellent

£7,245.

The senior section got the sale off to a strong start and featuring

within this was the winner of Class Two Backmuir Moonshine from

Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith, Banffshire, who made 15,000gns

when selling him to CR Fovargue Bros, Coleorton, Leicestershire.

April 2021 born, Backmuir Moonshine is by the 18,000gns Wolfstar

Jackaroo, and is out of Starline Orlane 35 th , a Skerrington Warlord

daughter. A few lots later the Simmers sold Backmuir Mario, another

Wolfstar Jackaroo son, for 8,000gns to GW Woolhouse & Sons,

Church Farm, Rotherham.

The Blackford herd of Mr WG MacPherson, Croy, Invernessshire

realised a terrific trade with sales at 14,000gns, 12,000gns

and 9,000gns. Leading at 14,000gns was the Reserve Supreme

Champion, and Senior Champion Blackford Mars. This May 2021

born bull is by the multiple show champion Heathbrow Important

(P) EX 93 and is the third calf to be bred out of Blackford Honey EX

91 dam. Commenting on his Reserve Supreme Champion, the judge

Colin Fordyce said: “This is just another tremendous Simmental

bull. He had a really flashy head that caught the eye and was full of

style and presence. Square across the plates he was very correct

with good legs and locomotion.” Blackford Mars was purchased by

WJ and J Green, Garmouth, Moray-Shire, for their noted Corskie

pedigree herd.


Stirling February

SALES

Also selling for 14,000gns was the winner of class seven and the

Reserve Intermediate Champion in the shape of Kilbride Farm

Morikawa (P) from the noted Kilbride Farm herd of WH Robson &

Sons, Doagh, County Antrim. July 2021 born, this 19-month-old

heterozygous polled calf is by the 16,000gns Islavale Harvest. A

heifer’s calf he is bred out of Kilbride Farm Eunice 270 J (PP), who

goes back to Curaheen Gunshot (P). This bull was jointly purchased

by David and Lesley Sapsed, of the Heathbrow pedigree Simmental

herd, Codicote, Hertfordshire, along with Tom Hill, of the Scotland

Hill pedigree Simmental herd, Wadworth, Doncaster.

A further bull from the Robson family, Kilbride Farm Merlin, made

13,000gns when selling to the Overhill House herd of Richard

McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian. This April 2021 born bull is

fully homebred being by Kilbride Farm Jetstream (P) and out of the

second calver Kilbride Farm Eunice 249I (TF), a Kilbride Farm Warren

daughter. The Kilbride Farm herd had a total clearance of their four

bulls and grossed £37,800.

Kilbride Farm Morikawa - 14,000gns.

Topping a good line-up of bulls from the Corskie herd of W J & J

Green, Garmouth, Moray, was the 13,000gns paid for the upstanding

March 2021 born Corskie Match. This first prize winner is by the

herd’s prolific stock bull Drumagarner Hughes EX 92, and is out of

the second calver Corskie Intune VG 86, a daughter of the 22,000gns

Dirnanean Bradley EX 93. Another bull with good figures, Corskie

Match was bought by AC Burke, T/A Nether Stewarton, Eddleston,

Peebles. The Corskie herd sold further bulls on the day at 7,000gns,

6,000gns, and 4,500gns.

Continuing a good run of bulls and prices at Stirling, the Denizes

herd of M A Barlow & Sons, Ulnes Walton, Lancashire, made

12,000gns when selling the May 2021 born Denizes Magic who

had stood second in his class to the Reserve Supreme Champion.

Full of breeding he is another by the prolific Denizes Hamish and is

out of Annick Trixibelle, a Skerrington Visa daughter. This bull was

purchased by RI and GI Davies, Llangammarch Wells, Powys who run

a 250 cow Simmental based commercial suckler herd.

The second five figure bull from the Blackford herd of Mr W G

MacPherson, Croy, Inverness-Shire, came in the shape of the

12,000gns Blackford Mosby who stood second in his class to the

Reserve Intermediate Champion. August 2021 born, this bull is a

son of Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX 94, and is a heifer’s calf

bred out of Blackford Kellie, a daughter of the noted Blackford

Galaxy. Blackford Mosby was purchased by Sam Driver, Chisworth,

Derbyshire, for his Sandylane pedigree Simmental herd.

A super line up from the 60-cow pedigree Wolfstar herd of Mr A King,

Ormiston, East Lothian saw them attain prices of 11,000gns twice,

10,000gns, and 9,000gns. The first of the Wolfstar bulls at 11,000gns

was the first prize winner in class three Wolfstar Mustang. May 2021

born, this calf is by Islavale Guy and is out of Wolfstar Hot Fuss.

Wolfstar Mustang was purchased by regular buyer GT and S Coghill,

Birsay, Orkney. Also at 11,000gns was the third prize Wolfstar Moves

Like Jagger. Another May 2021 born, this bull is fully homebred

being by Wolfstar Ivan (TF), and out of Wolfstar Izzy. Staying close to

home this bull was bought by Garvald Mains Farm, Haddington, East

Lothian.

Continuing the Wolfstar run at 10,000gns was Wolfstar Meatball. April

2021-born, Meatball is another by Islavale Guy and is out of Wolfstar

Flame. Another bull with length and a good top he was purchased

by Philiphaugh Estates, Old Mill Farm, Selkirk. Completing a fine day

Corskie Match - 13,000gns.

Kilbride Farm Merlin - 13,000gns.

Blackford Mosby - 12,000gns.


SALES

Stirling February

for the Kings, Wolfstar Mufasa made 9,000gns when selling to Luing

breeders John Lawrie, Tillyrie Ltd, Milnathort, Kinross. May 2021

born, Mufasa is another by Islavale Guy and is out of Wolfstar Flora, a

Team Celtic daughter.

Sitting alongside the Corskie bulls was Garmouth Matt from Laura

Green, Garmouth, Moray. This September 2021 born calf won Class

Nine in the junior section before going on to sell for 10,000gns.

17-month-old, Garmouth Matt is the first son to be sold off the

privately purchased Rathnashan Leonardo, and with him out of the

second calver Garmouth Glory’s Jessica. Purchasing this bull was A

Strachan, Brechin, Angus.

All the way from Wales was Richard Cumming, Blaencwarre, Hermon,

Cynwyl Elfed with his August 2021 born calf Cwarre Mercury. This

long dark red bull with good figures by Islavale Herriot (TF) and out

of Cwarre Cinderella’s Gem, a Woodhall Extra Special daughter, sold

for 9,500gns to CMR Soutar, Arbroath.

Denizes Magic - 12,000gns.

Mr W G MacPherson, Croy, Inverness-Shire completed their fine day

with the sale of the well-bred Blackford Merlin (ET) for 9,000gns.

This May 2021 born bull stood second in his class to the day’s Overall

Supreme Champion. Entirely homebred he is sired by Blackford

Galaxy, and is out of Blackford Wagtail VG 86, the dam of Bel Dhu

Capercaillie. This bull was purchased by R & E Chapman, Fraserburgh,

Aberdeenshire.

Making 9,000gns was Coltfield Maestro from JC MacIver, Forres,

Moray. This September 2021-born calf is by the 14,000gns Rockytop

Invader whose sons have sold to 11,000gns and is out of the 2015

born Coltfield Gemma EX90 Coltfield Maestro was bought by Ward

Farms (Scotland) Ltd, for use in their commercial and pedigree

Westridge herd at Carnwath, Lanarkshire.

Wolfstar Moves Like Jagger - 11,000gns.

The strength of the sale continued right to the end and with Ranfurly

MacGregor from WD & JD Hazelton, Dungannon, County Tyrone

making 9,000gns when purchased by Craighill Farms, Duntrune, by

Dundee. This stylish November 2021 born calf had stood second in

the last class to the Junior Champion in the pre-sale show. By Team

Celtic he is out of the Omorga Murray sired Ranfurly Lady Diana 22 nd

E10 (TF) EX 90.

A small show of four females saw a top price of 4,200gns for the April

2021 born heifer Kinclaven Malteser from Mr AG Borthwick, Stanley,

Perth. Sired by Ranfurly Jackall J9 18 EX93, and out of Strathisla

Bubble’s Geraldine, this heifer was bought by G Burns, Tippetcraig

Farm, Bonnybridge.

Wolfstar Mustang - 11,000gns.

AVERAGES:

97 Bulls (+8) £7,260 (+£425)

4 Heifers £3,675

OTHER LEADING PRICES

8,500gns – Lot 61 Ballinalare Farm Mack sold to MBM Farms Ltd

8,000gns – Lot 20 Backmuir Mario sold to GW Woolhouse & Sons Ltd

8,000gns – Lot 63 Newbiemains Mayhem sold to FMJ Forster

8,000gns – Lot 125 Islavale Monarch sold to JH Logan & Co

7,800gns – Lot 10 Dunmore Mearns sold to BCF Lambie Partnership

7,500gns – Lot 7 Auchorachan Malt sold to Dalchirla Farms Limited

7,500gns – Lot 9 Caithness Maverick sold to Hugh S Reid

7,500gns – Lot 16 Springfield Major sold to Parkmount Estate Co

7,500gns – Lot 50 Pistyll Major sold to GT & S Coghill

7,500gns – Lot 127 Islavale Mario sold to DG & J Walker

Garmouth Matt - 10,000gns.


Stirling February / Aberdeen March

SALES

7,000gns – Lot 48 Drumsleed Monty sold to WJ Marshall

7,000gns – Lot 62 Finlarg Magnum sold to Hamilton Organic Ltd

7,000gns – Lot 80 Corskie Mago sold to WSL Muir

7,000gns – Lot 98 Kersknowe Moses sold to W & I Gunn

Wolfstar Meatball - 10,000gns.

Cwarre Mercury - 9.500gns.

10,000gns Islavale Marshall heads

up record average at Aberdeen!

• Auchorachan bull at 9,000gns

• Centre Simmental record

average set of £6,638

• 14 out of 15 sell to a 93%

clearance rate

• Nine bulls at 6,000gns and more

The demand from commercial producers for quality Simmental bulls continued at

Aberdeen & Northern Marts Spring Show and Sale at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie

on Wednesday 1 st March with a new Simmental centre record average set at

£6,638 for the 14 bulls sold.

Leading the way at Thainstone was the 10,000gns Islavale Marshall from the prolific

Stronach family at Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, who topped the sale for the second

year in a row. This bull is by Corskie Highlander, who has had sons sell up to 18,000gns,

and is out of the Ranfurly Confederate C24 11 EX94 daughter Islavale Hanya EX90. Prior

to the sale, this April 2021 born bull had been tapped out as the Overall Simmental

Supreme Champion by the pre-sale show judge Gordon Mackay, Upper Ardnagrask,

Muir of Ord. With good figures for both calving ease and milk, Islavale Marshall was

purchased by J & M McConnachie, Midtown of Buchromb, Dufftown.

Selling at 9,000gns was the first bull in the ring in the shape of Auchorachan Lethal

Weapon from D & R Durno and Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. September 2020 born,

this calf is by the prolific Auchorachan Hercules 16 EX92, and is out of Auchorachan

Gipsy EX92. A bull with width and muscle, and with a +9 figure for Maternal (Milk),

Lethal Weapon was bought by J & S Middleton, Cowfords, New Pitsligo.

At 7,200gns was Drumsleed Maverick from regular consignors Gerald and Morag

Smith, Fordoun, Laurencekirk. The April 2021 born Maverick is by the herd’s 11,000gns

stock bull Wolfstar Gordy, and is out of Drumsleed Fuji, a Haystar Cracker 11 daughter.

When the hammer went down at Thainstone, Drumsleed Maverick was sold to Messrs

Stephen Fraser Farms, Glenbernie, Dunphail.

Top Price & Champion Islavale Marshall.

The good trade continued through to the last Simmental in the catalogue, Blackford

Marquiss, who made 6,800gns for Mr WG MacPherson, Blackford Farm, Croy,

Inverness. This August 2021 born bull is entirely homebred being an ET calf by the

noted Blackford Galaxy, and out of Blackford Wagtail VG86, the dam of the record

breaking Bel Dhu Capercaillie. Buying this bull was D&J Smith, Fallow Farm, Inverkeillor.

Other Leading Prices

6,500gns Tillyeve Marcus sold to IW Hall, Home Farm, Rothienorman

6,500gns Tillyeve Meldrum to Messrs Stephen Fraser Farms, Glenernie, Dunphail


SALES

Dungannon / Melton Mowbray March

4,000gns Drumlone Malcolm tops

Dungannon sale

• Seven bulls sold average £3,075

• Averages up by £30 on the year

for one more bull sold

Drumlone Malcolm 4,000gns.

Knockreagh Magic - 3,100gns.

The November 2021 born Drumlone

Malcom from Kenny Veitch,

Lisbellaw, sold for 4,000gns to

top the sale of Simmental bulls held at

Dungannon Farmers Mart on Friday 24 th

March 2023.

A heifer’s calf got by AI, Drumlone

Malcolm is by Curaheen Wakeman, a

Carnkern Titan son, and is out of the

Cleenagh Flasher daughter Drumlone

Kirsty. Earlier in the day this bull had

won his class before lifting the Overall

Championship in front of the judge

for the day Andrew Patterson of the

Wilandale pedigree Simmental herd,

Cookstown, Co Tyrone. Come sale time

Drumlone Malcolm was bought by

the commercial breeder William Hall,

Netwonabbey, Co Antrim.

Seven of the eight bulls forward sold to

average £3,075, up on the year by £30

and for one more bull sold. All of the

bulls were purchased by commercial

producers and first time Simmental

buyers at sale.

Two bulls made 3,100gns. The first

of these was the first lot in the ring

Dressogue Maurice from Seamus Okane,

Drumquin, Omagh. This July 2021-born

bull is by the 11,000gns sire Islavale

Invincible and is out of Dressogue

Clover, a Kilbride Farm Newry daughter.

Dressogue Maurice was bought by Trevor

Stockdale, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone.

Also at the 3,100gns mark was

Knockreagh Magic from Val and Conrad

Fagan, Rostrevor, Newry. Magic is the

maternal brother to the 10,000gns

Kilreagh Kilroy. September 2021 born this

calf is by the AI sire Mullynock Gallant and

is out of Omorga Dorcas. Purchasing this

bull, was Samuel Moorhead, Rathfriland,

Co Down.

Averages

Seven bulls £3,075

Hollybrook Maximum tops the

Simmentals at Melton Mowbray

• Hollybrook Maximum Takes

the Reserve Interbreed

Hollybrook Maximum 3,900gns.

The April 2021 born Hollybrook

Maximum from Chris & Zara Curson,

Hollybrook Farm, Welbourne,

Dereham, Norfolk sold for 3,900gns to

top the small section of Simmentals at the

fledgling Melton Mowbray Multi Breed

Sale on Saturday, 25 th March.

Earlier in the day this bull had been

placed as the Simmental Overall

Champion by the judge, John Barlow of

the noted Denizes herd, before going

on to lift the Overall Reserve Interbreed

in front of all seven of the breed judges.

Hollybrook Maximum, got by AI, is sired

by Clonagh Diehard Gallant, and is out of

Williams Vikki’s Blossom. Purchasing the

Champion online, and one of two bought

on the day, was the significant Simmental

based commercial enterprise in the

shape of Fristling Hall Farm, Swan Lane,

Ingatestone, Essex.

Selling at 3,200gns was the homozygous

polled bull Blue Cedar Mungo from

Nigel Darling, Intwood Farm, Intwood,

Norwich. This January 2021 born bull is

by the Danish bred AI sire Sneumgaard

Imperator, and is out of Blue Cedar

Edwina, with both parents being

homozygous polled. Blue Cedar Mungo

was purchased by H Catlin, Leylandii

Farm, Boston, Lincolnshire.

Averages:

4 Bulls £3,438.75


SALES

David: 07841 748 764

Jonny: 07738 444 605

The Small

herd with a

Huge Impact

OUR BREEDING POLICY:- STRONG CLASSIFIED COW FAMILIES MATED TO TOP

PROVEN AI BULLS OF OUR CHOICE. PRESENT HERD 17 COWS : 2 EX95, 3 EX90,

10 1ST CALF HEIFERS & YOUNG COWS ALL VG + 2 AWAITING CLASSIFICATION

Ranfurly Kleeb 32nd EX95

A prolific breeder having reared 3 sets of twins

1 bull Indiana sold at Stirling Oct 2019 6,200gns

5 heifers have sold to average 3,900gns

With 2 retained in the herd

Now rearing her 12th calf, having turned 11 years of age

Bulls,

Heifers and

Embryos usually

for sale

VISITORS

ALWAYS

WELCOME

Raceview Goldie Dreamer EX95

Roscommon Yearling champion 2016

NI Female of the Year 2019

First three sons have sold to average

11,000gns: Knockout, Limelight and

Masterpiece

Raceview Fancywinty 652 ET EX93

Son: Jackpot Sold Stirling Feb 20 - 9000gns

Daughter: Stella 13st Sold NxtGen Dec 22 - 5000gns

Daughter: Stella 12th VG85 Retained in herd

Some exciting E.T, progeny by Woodhall Ferrari

coming through

Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st MI

Reserve Supreme Champion Balmoral May 2023

Maternal sister by Ranfurly Klinker will be cataloged

at the sale

4 TH PRODUCTION SALE (UNDER B.S.C.S. RULES) - LATE AUGUST / EARLY SEPTEMBER

MANY PROGENY FROM ABOVE 4 FAMILIES WILL BE CATALOGUED

WATCH B.S.C.S AND RANFURLY FACEBOOK FOR FULL DETAILS FROM EARLY SUMMER ON

W.D. & J.D. HAZELTON, Cohannon House, 25 Bovean Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 6HR

Email: ranfurlysimmentals@hotmail.co.uk


SALES

Stirling May

16,000gns Overhill House

Neil leads record May sale

average at Stirling

• 24 bulls sell to average £5,828, up by £195, and a new Stirling May Sale record average

• Two bulls sell at over 10,000gns with eleven at 5,000gns and more

• 16,000gns leads the all-breeds prices at Stirling

• 16,000gns the top Simmental price, and top all-breeds price, at a May Stirling Sale

Following up his Supreme Championship in the pre-sale show,

the January 2022 born Overhill House Neil from Richard

McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian, duly delivered the goods

in the sale ring when making 16,000gns to lead the Stirling May

Simmental Sale, and to take the top price across the breeds at United

Auctions multi breed fixture on Monday May 1 st .

This stylish, red coated, young bull is by the 24,000gns Islavale

Heston, and is out of Overhill House India, a Curaheen Drifter

daughter. In November last year, Overhill House Neil won the Overall

Junior Championship at the Stars of the Future Calf Show. With top

figures for calving ease and maternal (milk), this package of looks,

pedigree, and performance figures saw some sharp bidding before

the hammer fell and with Overhill House Neil being knocked down

to Andrew Leedham for his Grangewood pedigree herd at Pickering,

North Yorkshire.

The strong sale demand for Simmental bulls was again evident with

the 24 bulls sold averaging £5,828, up by £195 and, for the third

year in a row, to a new record average for this May Simmental Sale

fixture. As well as topping the sale day, the 16,000gns price was an

all-breeds record for the Stirling May Sale

A terrific day’s trading for Overhill House saw the herd attain prices

of 16,000gns; 7,000gns; and 6,500gns for three quality Simmental

bulls, all Islavale Heston sons, to gross £30,975. Of attaining the

record sale price for any breed at the Stirling May Sale, Richard

McCulloch said: “The record price is just a bonus on top of what

was a great sale for the herd and three good bulls. The standard of

Simmental bulls forward at the sales just keeps getting better and

better and with an obvious and increasing interest in the breed. From

here we’re just going to continue to cull hard, be selective and with

the aim of keeping the quality as high as we can at pedigree sales.”


Stirling May

SALES

Placing Overhill House Neil as the pre-sale Supreme Champion,

was the pre-sale show judge for the day, Gary Wright of the noted

Lagavaich herd, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch.

The 16,000gns was also the top price that Andrew and Yvonne

Leedham, who run the 35 cow Grangewood pedigree herd along with

their son Callum, have paid to date for a Simmental bull. Speaking after

the sale, Andrew Leedham said: “He’s a terrific Simmental bull and just

what we were looking for. We first saw him at the Stars of the Future

Show and having been keeping an eye on his pictures and videos on

Facebook. In addition to the qualities of the bull he has great figures

including ease of calving and we think he’ll be very well suited to our

Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17 daughters within the herd. ”

Taking the second top price of 10,500gns, and again from a strong

line up of bulls, was the October 2021 born Delfur MacBeth from

Delfur Farms, Aberlour. This calf by Woodhall Instinct, and out of

Delfur Annie, carried a Maternal (Milk) figure of +10. Purchaser was

the noted commercial producer JR Graham & Partners, Greenshields,

Biggar, Lanarkshire. Selling at 9,000gns was another from the Delfur

team in the shape of the first prize winner in class six and pre-sale

Reserve Supreme Champion, Delfur Marvel. October 2021 born, Delfur

MacBeth is another by Woodhall Instinct and is out of Delfur Jill, an

Islavale Cassius daughter. This bull was knocked down to high-quality

commercial producers Farquharson Farms, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire.

On the day the Delfur herd sold three bulls to gross £25,500 and to

average £8,925.

Selling at 7,000gns was Copper Mill Maverick from P Goldsborough,

Oakrigg Farm, Old Carlisle Road, Moffat. Another bull with strong

calving ease figures, the August 2021 born Copper Mill Maverick is by

Rathnashan Linguine and is out of the Samark Superman daughter,

Copper Mill Janice. Buying this bull was J&J Marshall, Grantown on

Spey, Morayshire.

The second bull at 7,000gns was another from Richard McCulloch

and this time Overhill House Nash. This January 2022 born bull

stood second in his class to the day’s Champion and Overhill House

teammate. Another by Islavale Heston, Nash is out of Overhill House

Emma, a Blackford Ben Mhor daughter. With figures putting him

in the top 5% of the breed for calving ease, and top 10% for Eye

Muscle Area, Overhill House Nash was bought by JTM MacKay, Thura

Mains, Caithness. Overhill House Noah made 6500gns when selling

to Cumbria and WA Vaughan, High Dovecote, Walton, Brampton.

Completing the trio of Overhill House bulls, Noah is again by Islavale

Heston and is out of the Annick Talisker daughter Overhill House

Hanna.

Delfur Macbeth 10,500gns.

Delfur Marvel 9,000gns.

Copper Mill Maverick 7,000gns.

Selling at 6,000gns was the October 2021 born Delfur Matey. This

bull stood second in his class to the Reserve Supreme Champion and

9000gns teammate Delfur Marvel. Sired by Banwy Bonzo, Matey is out

of another Islavale Cassius daughter, Delfur Kayley. Purchasing this

dark red bull with easy calving figures, was MJ&J McLaren, Fintalich,

Muthill, Crieff, Perthshire.

Other Leading Prices:

Lot 471 5,800gns Broombrae Munro to Glenkiln Farms, Crocketford,

Dumfries

Lot 463 5,000gns Denizes Montana to A Nicholson, Dunphail, By Forres

Lot 465 5,000gns Coltfield Mighty to H MacDonald, Mains of Dalvey,

Morayshire

Lot 467 5,000gns Dargill Master (P) to J& I Cameron, Hillside Farm,

Kilmacolm

Overhill House Nash 7,000gns.


SALES

Worcester May

5,800gns Newton House

Moneymaker (PP) tops the

Simmental bulls at Worcester

• Homozygous polled bulls sell

to 5,800gns, and 5,500gns

• Eight bulls average £4,699, up

by £703 on the year

• Midhope lead the females at

4,200gns

The British Simmental Cattle Society’s annual

show and sale at McCartney’s Worcester

Livestock Market on Saturday 29 th April, saw a

top price of 5,800gns attained by first time exhibitor

John Gosmore, Newton House Farm, Tattenhall for his

September 2021 born bull Newton House Moneymaker (PP).

Newton House Moneymaker (PP) 5,800gns.

Polled genetics were again to the fore and in demand with Newton

House Moneymaker being a homozygous polled bull by Kilbride

Farm Hans 16 (PP), and out of Lissadell Luxury VIP (P). With a

combination of breeding, polled genetics, and good performance

figures, Newton House Moneymaker was sold to commercial

producer Messrs Gowling, Little Oxendon Farm, Market Harborough,

Leicestershire. Commenting afterwards John Gosmore said: “We

were delighted to achieve the day’s top price at what was our first

Society Sale. And we trust that this bull goes on to do well for the

Gowlings.”

Another first-time exhibitor was Wayne Mosley, Thorncliff,

Chelmorton, Derbyshire who sold Thorncliff Monty for the joint

second top price of 5,500gns. Earlier in the day, this May 2021 born

bull had been placed Overall Supreme Champion in the pre-sale

show by the judge Dafydd Jones who runs a 250 cow Simmental

based commercial suckler herd, along with the Tywi pedigree herd,

at Danycapel, Dryslwyn, Carmarthen. Thorncliff Monty, a twin to a

male, is by the AI sire Woodhall Ferrari and is out of Higherem Hayley,

a Banwy Wonderboy daughter. At the fall of the hammer, the day’s

Champion was purchased HJ Marklove, Hansells Farm, Purton,

Swindon. Commenting, the judge Dafydd Jones said: “My choice

of Champion was a modern type of Simmental bull. He’s smart,

clean, not too heavy through the front, is very well muscled, and has

good locomotion. I’ve no doubt he’ll breed good carcase animals in

addition to the typical Simmental maternal traits.”

Also at the 5,500gns mark was another homozygous polled bull in

the shape of Blue Cedar Majestic 21 (PP) from Nigel Darling, Intwood

Farm, Norwich. This March 2021 born bull is by Blue Cedar Kelso

19 (PP), a Sneumgaard Imperator (PP) son, and out of Blue Cedar

Thorncliff Monty 5,500gns.

Blue Cedar Majestic (PP) 5,500gns.


Worcester May / Wroxall

SALES

In the small show of females the top price of 4,200gns went to Mr WJ

Hollingsworth, Midhope Hall Farm, Sheffield, for his Reserve Female

Champion, Midhope Megan. This January born heifer, scanned two

months in calf to Strathisla Mandarin, is by Delfur Chas 11, and is

out of the Woodhall Everhart daughter, Midhope Indigo. Buying the

top price female was Mr S & Mrs D Shapland, for their Brynsworthy

pedigree herd at Brynsworthy Farm, Barnstaple, Devon.

Midhope Megan 4,200gns

Wendy 2 nd (PP). Buying this bull was Ian King who runs the Pinkmead

pedigree herd at Curbridge, Southampton.

Other Leading Prices

Lot 24 4,500gns Wroxall Milky Bar Kid to CM Mercer, Bowley Court

Farms, Leominster, Herefordshire

Lot 25 4,200gns Key Marvel 21 to CR Bayliss, Moorend Farm, Weston

Beggard, Herefordshire

Averages:

8 Bulls £4,699

6 Females £2,467.50

Wroxall Simmental Cow & Calf

Sells To 6,000gns At Worcester

• Wroxall Sale grosses £120,000

• Top price in export sale to the Coose herd,

Republic of Ireland

• Cows and calves sell to length and breadth of the

UK

The genuine reduction of the noted Wroxall Simmental

herd of CH Evans & Son, Kington Grange Farm, Claverdon,

Warwickshire at Worcester on 29 th April, saw a more than solid

trade throughout gross just over £120,000 for the 32 cows forward

with calves at foot, along with five cows in calf, and three in-calf

heifers.

Leading the way at a combined 6,000gns was the homozygous

polled Wroxall Iona Zilla at 1,800gns and with her stylish heifer calf

Wroxall NII-Zilla at 4,200gns. This unit was snapped up by the noted

Coose herd of John Tuohy, Whitegate, Co Galway, Republic of

Ireland. Wroxall Iona Zilla PP is February 2017 born and is by Losning

Iver (P) and is out of Wroxall Daisy-Zilla. PD’d in calf to Forsdale

Gallipoli, Wroxall NII-Zilla (P), is her fourth calf. This September 2022

born heifer is by Wroxall Jerome 18.

A packed ringside, and buyers online and on the telephone, ensured

a strong trade with exports sales and animals selling to all corners

of the UK. Some 40 lots, mainly pedigree Simmental cows with

Simmental, and Blue calves at foot, grossed over a very healthy

£120,000.

Selling at a combined 4,600gns was another homozygous polled

6,000gns Wroxall Iona Zilla (PP) with heifer Wroxall NII-Zilla (P).

female Wroxall Jazz Superior PP, and with her third calf, the heifer

calf Wroxall Nautical-Superior (P) at foot. January 2018 born,

Wroxall Jazz Superior is by Wroxall Electric (P), and is out of Wroxall

Gertrude-Superior (P). PD’d in calf to Coose Gambler, Wroxall Jazz

Superior made 2,900gns when selling to the north of Scotland and

R&N Barclay, Harestone Farm, Insch, Aberdeenshire. Her September

born heifer calf Wroxall Nautical-Superior, sired by Forsdale Gallipoli,

made 2,700gns when also purchased by the Barclays.

The averages in the Wroxall sale were as follows:

12 cows with autumn born calves £3,537

18 cows with spring born calves £2,867.08

5 Cows-in-calf £2,310

3 In-calf heifers £28,00

2 Unregistered cows with calves at foot £3,035

Auctioneers: McCartneys


SALES

Carlisle May

10,000gns Overhill House

Simmental bull is the

‘Real’ McCoy At Carlisle!

• Record Simmental average at

Carlisle of £6,519

• 100% clearance rate with all 12

bulls sold

• Eight bulls make 6,000gns and

more

• Midhope lead the pedigree

females at 3,800gns

• Auchorachan top the

Simmental High Health bulling

heifer sale at £3,800

• Chestermann Reduction Sale

tops at 3,300gns

• Across the sections on the day

the Simmental sale grossed

£180,755

Overhill House McCoy 10,000gns.

Richard McCulloch, Overhill House, Armadale, West Lothian led a terrific Simmental

bull sale at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart when he took the

10,000gns sale top price with Overhill House McCoy at the breed’s May Carlisle

Sale on Saturday, 13 th May.

A strong demand from a packed ring side saw a 100% clearance of the 12 bulls forward

and a centre record average at this May fixture of £6,519. Eight bulls made 6,000gns

and more with top price bulls selling to Orkney, Aberdeen, Northumberland, Hawick,

Derbyshire, and Newton Stewart. A busy Simmental day saw pedigree females sell to

3,900gns, whilst the newly introduced sale of Simmental X High Health heifers saw a

top price of £3,800 and 33 average £1,790.

Earlier in the day, the December 2021 born Overhill House McCoy had been placed as

the Supreme Champion in the pre-sale show of bulls by the judge Harry Wood of the

noted Popes herd, Dutton, Lancashire. Come sale time Overhill House McCoy raced

to 10,000gns before being knocked down to prolific Simmental bull buyer Liam Muir,

Stromness, Orkney. Mr Muir was purchasing the bull for clients Ronnie & Gladys Brown,

Newhall, Stromness for their 60-cow suckler herd. Commenting after the sale Mr Muir

said: “This is just a good Simmental bull. He has width, plenty of length, great style, and

is the dark red colour I was also looking for.”

The Supreme Championship and sale top price made it a double for the Overhill

House herd who achieved the same feat at the recent Stirling Simmental Sale with the

16,000gns all-breeds top priced Overhill House Neil. Overhill House McCoy is by the

24,000gns Islavale Heston, the same sire as the herd’s Stirling topper, and is out of

Islavale Caitlin a heifer bought privately as a yearling from the Islavale herd.

In all, eight bulls made 6,000gns or more. Simmental bulls with polled genetics have

increasingly been in demand and the second top price at Carlisle was the 8,000gns

paid for the heterozygous polled Auchorachan Monarch ET 21 (P), from D&R Durno


Carlisle May

SALES

& Sons, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. This August 2021 born bull

is by Lykke Iceman P, and is out of the Omorga Samson sired

daughter Auchorachan Autumn EX94. A bull with length, power,

and breeding, Auchorachan Monarch ET 21 (P), was purchased

by the commercial producer, A&L Craig & Co, Downiehills Farm,

Peterhead. A few lots later and the Durnos sold the entirely

homebred Auchorachan Maserati for 6,500gns to the Firm of

McKinnel, Drumneil Farm, Newton Stewart. November 2021 born

this bull is by the prolific Auchorachan Hercules, and is out of

Auchorachan Letta H2 VG88.

Two bulls made 7,000gns. The first of these was the upstanding

Newbiemains Mammoth from Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains

Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire. This July 2021 bull is by Newbiemains

Jetset 18, and is out Newbiemains Joy VG 87, an Islavale Frontier

daughter. Off to Northumberland, he was bought for the 140-cow

commercial herd of CJ Sutherland, Ross Farm, Belford.

The Simmental section also saw a major reduction sale for the

Chesterman Herd of Nick & Nadia Gwynne, Castlewigg Farm,

Newton Stewart. On the day a top price of 3300gns was paid for the

seven-year-old Chestermann Data Nonne 3, sold with her heifer calf

at foot Chestermann Empire Nonne 4. Purchasing this outfit was

Andy Wilson for his Cairnview pedigree herd at Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

Four further lots made 3000gns as 12 in all averaged £2703.75.

AVERAGES

12 Bulls £6,518.75

33 Simm High Health heifers £1,790

4 Heifers £2,756.25

12 Chesterman Reduction Sale £2,703.75

Also at 7,000gns was T Hill & R Wright, Wadworth, Doncaster with

the October 2021 born Scotland Hill McCoy. This bull followed

the Champion through his class to take the Reserve Overall

Championship in the pre-sale show. Sired by Clonagh King Eyes,

and out of Scotland Hill Avril 2 nd , Scotland Hill McCoy sold to the

Borders and to IHG Warden, Skelfhill Farm, Hawick. The 65-cow

Scotland Hill has previously sold bulls at Carlisle to 8,800gns.

Mr DC Houldey, Kirtleton House, Lockerbie made 6,500gns when

selling their December 2021 born Manor Park Mickey. Sired by

Corskie Ebay 13, and out of Manor Park Bronte, this bull had strong

figures being +11 for Maternal (Milk), in the top 5% of the breed,

and +82 for 400 Day Weight, within the top 10% of the breed.

Purchasing this bull was TW Hamilton & Son, Kirkton of Crawford,

Biggar, Lanarkshire.

Auchorachan Monarch 8,000gns.

The heterozygous polled Rooklea Newyear 22 (P), the last bull

in the ring, from Mrs A Trafford, Springfield Farm, Cockermouth

made 6,500gns when selling to Peter & Andrea Booth who run the

Barleyclose pedigree herd at Gun Lane Farm, Belper, Derbyshire. A

January 2022 born calf, Rooklea Newyear 22 (P) is by Losning Iver

(P), and is out of Rooklea Jasmine, a Kilbride Farm Glenhead 15 (P)

daughter.

The final bull at 6,000gns and over was Braegarrie Maverick from

DL&S Currie, Pinclanty, Pinmore, Girvan. October 2021 born this

calf got by AI is by the well-known Woodhall Ferrari and is out

of Braegarrie Vanessa who previously produced the 7,900gns

Braegarrie Bravo, a Male Champion at Carlisle. With a Maternal

(Milk) figure of +9, Braegarrie Maverick was bought on the day by R

McKinnel & Sons, Garrarrie Farm, Whithorn, Newton Stewart.

Scotland Hill McCoy 7,000gns.

In the small show of Simmental females, the top price was 3,800gns

for the March 2021 born in-calf heifer Midhope Matilda from regular

consignors WJ Hollingsworth, Midhope Farm, Sheffield. This heifer

by Delfur Chas 11, was another to go to the Barleyclose herd of

Messrs Booth, Belper, Derbyshire.

The newly introduced sale of SimmX HighHealth bulling heifers

met with a strong trade. Leading this sale was D&R Durno,

Auchorachan, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, with a September 2021 born

Simmental heifer making £3,800 and being one of two purchases

by James Hodge, Dreghorn, Irvine. Other leading prices in this sale

saw the Houldeys, Manor Park sell heifers to £2,600, and £2,500 x

2. In all, 33 Simm X High Health bulling heifers averaged £1,790.

Newbiemains Mammoth 7,000gns.


SALES

Stirling October


Stirling October

SALES

Overhill House Neo 46,000gns.

46,000GNS IS A

NEW UK BREED

RECORD

FOR A SIMMENTAL SOLD

AT AUCTION

• 53 bulls (+8) average £7,594,

up by £36 on the year, and

a new breed record sale

average

• Simmental only breed to sell

more bulls on the year

• 12 bulls sell for 10,000gns

and more, as bull sale grosses

£422,606

46,000gns

Overhill House

Neo leads the

way at record

breaking

Stirling sale!

Simmental records were again sent tumbling at Stirling as the April 2022 born

Overhill House Neo from Over Hill House, Armadale, West Lothian sold for

46,000gns to lead the Simmental Bull Sale at United Auctions, Stirling on

Monday 23 rd October. The top price set a new breed record for a Simmental sold in

the UK, and with Overhill House Neo being purchased by Reece & Andrew Simmers

for their noted Backmuir herd at Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire.


SALES

Stirling October

In addition to the new top price mark, fifty-three Simmental bulls

sold to average a mighty £7,594 which in itself is a new UK breed

record sale average and eclipsing the previous figure of £7,558 set at

the corresponding fixture last year.

Overhill House Neo is one of the first sons to be offered at sale by

the herds 26,000gns stock bull Pistyll Kingsman, who was purchased

at Stirling in February 2021, and is out of the Hillcrest Jerome ET

daughter Seepa Daffodil. On the previous day, in front of one of the

biggest ring side crowds seen at a Simmental pre-sale show, Overhill

House Neo had been tapped out as the Overall Supreme Champion

by the judge Hazel McNee of the noted Finlarg herd at Over Finlarg

Farm, Tealing, Dundee. Commenting afterwards, Hazel said; “I was

really delighted with my Champion, I think he’s a Simmental bull

just full of quality and he really stood out for me. He’s easy fleshed,

very correct, walks extremely well, and has tremendous length. In

addition he’s the dark colour which I like, and had more than a wee

bit of that showy presence I was looking for.”

Overhill House Neo now heads to Keith to join the 80-cow Backmuir

herd and speaking after the sale an equally delighted Reece Simmers

said: “We’ve been working away over this last year or more quite

well with homebred sires and all the time have been keeping an eye

out for a bull that has that little bit of ‘extra special’ about him. As

such we’re really pleased to have been able to buy Overhill House

Neo and just think he’s a great example of a modern Simmental bull.

Neo’s full of style and breed character. He’s got size and power, is full

of length, and has a quality back end with easy muscling. We like the

breeding on the dam line and he’s a total outcross which will bring

new breeding lines to the Backmuir herd.”

Of paying the record price for a Simmental bull to date Reece

Simmers went on to say: “The Simmental breed is going from

strength to strength and we’ve seen the increasingly strong sales

over this last couple of years. Overhill House Neo is just full of

quality and breeding, and if he brings that through into his progeny

then we feel that he’ll be a value investment for the Backmuir herd

over a number of years.”

It’s been a strong year of performance for the Overhill House herd

at shows and sales and speaking after the sale Richard McCulloch

said: “Overhill House Neo has been a special calf from day one and

has just always had such a presence about him and a tremendous

nature. He’s just continued to do well throughout the summer and

he’s the best bull we’ve bred to date. You never have the expectation

to come to a sale like Stirling, with the standard of bulls that’s

always there, and come away with a record price of 46,000gns.

It’s tremendous but very humbling at the same time. The whole

team at Overhill House is delighted that he’s gone to a top herd like

Backmuir, and we wish Reece, Andrew and Philip every success with

him.”

It was a terrific all-round Simmental sale with the day seeing a new

UK record for a Simmental bull; a new record for a Simmental female;

a new record sale average for the breed; and with Simmentals being

the only breed to sell more bulls on the year! This sale performance

was warmly acknowledged by the British Simmental Cattle Society

President Norman Robson, who said: “The breeders have put forward

some tremendous bulls and with a real choice for commercial

producers and pedigree breeders, and some record sale figures

have been achieved which I think reflects that. Prior to this sale

we published independent data, provided by AHDB, that showed

Corskie Naqus 14,000gns.

Islavale Newton 13,000gns.

Islavale Nugget 13,000gns.

Overhill House Nestor 13,000gns.


Stirling October

SALES

Simmentals give you more both maternally and terminally. Industry

leading at age at slaughter whether sired by a Simmental or out of a

Simmental dam, significant reduction in finishing costs, and lower

emissions meeting environmental challenges. Add that to the breeds

well established maternal qualities of easy and regular calving,

milk, fertility, and longevity and it’s just good economics for beef

producers.”

Islavale Nico 12,000gns.

Overhill House Niko 12,000gns.

In all, twelve bulls on the day made five figures or more and with the

second top priced bull being the 14,000gns Corskie Naqus 22 from

Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers. This March 2022

born bull had stood second in his class to the Reserve Intermediate

Champion in the pre-sale show. Sired by Drumagarner Hughes,

and out of Corskie Klarasch, this bull sold to AH Smith who runs a

significant commercial enterprise of 350 Angus and Simmental cows,

and also the 15 cow Arkland pedigree herd at Low Arkland Farm,

Castle Douglas.

Presenting a tremendous pen of bulls and enjoying another fantastic

sale was the prolific Islavale herd of WS Stronach & Son, Berryleys

Farm, Grange, Keith. Ten bulls sold for a collective £104,685, and

to average an incredible £10,469. Six of the bulls made over five

figures, and just for good measure the herd picked up the Reserve

Overall; Junior Championship; Reserve Intermediate; and had

five first places and three seconds in the pre-sale show. Quite a

day! From the Islavale pen, two bulls made 13,000gns. The first

of these was Islavale Nugget who had stood third in his class to

the Overall Champion. One of the first sons at sale from the herd

sire Coose Lincoln EX90, this April born bull is out of the Curhaeen

Bandit daughter Islavale Ena EX91. Islavale Nugget was purchased

by commercial producer and repeat Islavale buyer GM Mitchell

& Son, Fernie Mill, Cupar, Fife. At this same 13,000gns price was

Islavale Newton. April 2022 born and sired by Ranfurly Confederate,

this heifer’s calf is out of Islavale Kathy, a Corskie Highlander

daughter. With top performance figures this bull was another to go

for commercial use when selling to W Barbour, Carsegowan Farm,

Dumfries.

Also at 13,000gns was another from Richard McCulloch in the shape

of the previously referred to Overhill Nestor. April 2022 born this

bull is another by Pistyll Kingsman, and is out of Overhill House Eve,

an Annick Capercaillie daughter. Another bull going commercially,

Overhill House Nestor was purchased by Glass & Smith, Mill of

Fowlis, Alford, Aberdeenshire.

Islavale Northstar 12,000gns.

Islavale Neuk 11,000gns.

Back to the Islavale pen and Islavale Northstar made 12,000gns

when selling to the Coltfield herd of Cameron Maciver, Wester

Coltfield, Forres, Moray. Got by AI this April 2022 born bull is

by Curaheen Giant and is out of Islavale Hope EX 91. Also from

Islavale at 12,000gns was the winner of class five, and the Reserve

Intermediate Champion, Islavale Nico. Another of the first sons at

sale by Coose Lincoln EX 90, Nico is out of Islavale Fashion EX 92, a

Curaheen Bandit daughter who previously bred the 8000gns Islavale

Loki. Purchasing Islavale Nico was D & G Manson for their 140 cow

Simmental based commercial herd at Brodieshill, Alves, Forres.

Securing their third five figure price on the day was Overhill House

Niko who made 12,000gns when selling to the commercial herd of

J Innes & Sons, Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Overhill House

Niko was the Overall Male Champion and Junior Champion at the

2023 Scottish Simmental National Show at Dumfries. At Stirling’s

pre-sale show Niko stood second in his class to his stablemate and


SALES

Stirling October

the day’s Overall Supreme Champion. Entirely homebred, he is by

Overhill House Enhance, a Banwy T-Rex son, and is out of Overhill

House Keelo.

Up from Cambridgeshire was the lengthy and stylish Hemingford

Nelson from James & Rachael Griffin’s fifteen cow herd at

Hemingford Abbots, Huntingdon, who took first place in class three

before securing a fantastic Reserve Senior Championship. This

March 2022 born bull is by the herd stock sire Saltire Jaguar, and

is out of Hemingford Jewel, a Corskie Dreamer daughter. Nelson

made 11,000gns and will now reacclimatise when moving north to

the Auchorachan pedigree herd of D&R Durno & Sons, Glenlivet,

Ballindalloch.

The run of Islavale bulls continued with the April 2022 born Islavale

Nemo selling for 11,000gns to H J Warnock of Ballydoonan Road,

Carrowdore, Co Down who runs just under fifty cows in his pedigree

Templefyn herd. Another by Coose Lincoln EX 90, Islavale Neuk is

out of Islavale Bramble 2 VG 88, a Curaheen Bandit daughter. Also

at 11,000gns was the winner of class nine, the Junior Champion and

Overall Reserve Champion in the form of Islavale Neuk. This April

2022 born bull is by the herd’s well-known sire Shacon Hannibal

16 (ET) EX 94, and is out of the eight-year-old Islavale Gretel EX 90.

Commenting on her choice of Reserve Champion, the judge Hazel

McNee said: “This was just another very good, solid Simmental bull

who had excellent conformation, was very square from behind, and

carried a good top line. Purchasing this bull was well-known Orkney

bull buyer Liam Muir of Upper Onston, Stromness, Orkney.

The final bull to make 10,000gns, and who stood second in the

last class to the day’s Reserve Overall Champion, was Backmuir

Nuckles from the Simmers family. May 2022 born this bull is by the

homebred Backmuir King who stood as Male Champion at this year’s

Royal Highland Show. Nuckles is out of Starline Lorette. Buying this

bull was the well-known and high profile Corskie herd of Mr WJ & J

Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers.

Islavale Nemo 11,000gns.

Hemingford Nelson 11,000gns.

Corskie was again to the fore when selling the day’s Senior

Champion and winner of Class One Corskie Nohow (P), a bull with

length, power, and who is heterozygous polled, for 9,500gns to

repeat buyer A Nicolson, Relugas Mains Farm, Dunphail, Moray.

January 2022 born this bull is out of Corskie Jubliee VG 87, and

is one of the first sons from Rathnashan Kellog’s EX 94 Kellog’s is

the sire of Corskie Miami the 2023 Junior Champion at the Royal

Highland.


9,000gns Lot 307 Kilbride Farm Neville PP sold to John M Sutherland,

Sibminster & Stainland, Thurso, Caithness

9,000gns Lot 318 sold to G R Morton, Church Farm, Gamlesby,

Penrith

9,000gns Lot 373 Jaw Nato sold to A & J Craig, Craigton Castle,

Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire

8,500gns Lot 349 Islavale Norman sold to Robert Bell & Partners,

Craigo, Levenview, Westhall, Kinross

7,500gns Lot 332 Kersknowe Neptune sold to J Gunn, Carsgoe,

Halkirk, Caithness

7,000gns Lot 377 Backmuir Nemisis sold to Douganhill Farms,

Orchardton Mains, Palnackie, Dumfries

Backmuir Nuckles 10,000gns.

Corskie Nohow 9,500gns.


Heathbrow Dispersal

SALES

32,000gns Heathbow Natasha

leads the way at record breaking

Heathbrow Dispersal Sale!

32,000GNS SETS A

NEW UK

BREED

RECORD

FOR A SIMMENTAL

FEMALE SOLD AT

AUCTION

• Five lots, including outfits sell for

10,000gns and more

• Sale grosses £347,700

Simmental achieved a new 32,000gns female breed record in

Stirling on Monday 23 October when David and Lesley Sapsed,

High Heath Farm, Hitchin, Herts, dispersed their entire noted

Heathbrow polled herd following a decision to retire after almost

three decades of breeding pedigree Simmental.

Star of the sale at 32,000gns was Heathbrow Natasha, an 18-monthold

maiden by the herd’s illustrious Heathbrow Important 17, the

multi-title winning show bull, herd sire and European Simmental

Bull of the Year in 2019, and she was out of Raceview Emerald Alicia

600 EX91 by Milnafua Graduate. A striking, fleshy well-balanced

heifer exemplary of the breed, Natasha had already been in the

limelight during her short-lived show career having secured the

Great Yorkshire Junior Interbreed title, together with a fist full of red

tickets. She was knocked down sold to Jimmy and Vikki Wood based

at Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire.

Commenting after the sale Jimmy Wood said: “It was actually our

daughter Hannah who bought her and will be starting a herd in

her own name with Natasha as her foundation female. We first saw

Heathbrow Natasha at Herts County Show when she was just a young


SALES

Heathbrow Dispersal

heifer and immediately saw her potential. We’ve been ‘up close and

personal’ to her ever since having shown at many of the same shows

through the summer. She’s just kept coming on and we thought she

was outstanding at the Great Yorkshire Show. Natasha has everything

we would look for in a female. She’s full of femininity with lots of

sparkle and presence and is a totally new bloodline with the best of

breeding behind her, a real cow maker for the future. It’s a big price

tag but it’s a long-term investment and there’s always going to be

competition when that quality of heifer and genetics comes to the

market.”

Heathbrow Milky Way 14,000gns.

The Wood family took home another four entries. At 9,000gns

they secured Heathbrow Melody, an April 2021 born in heifer by

Heathbrow Klassik 19, out of Raceview Emerald Alicia and scanned in

calf to Blackwood Kirk. Also heading home to join their Popes herd at

7,500gns was the Heathbrow Findlay 14 sired Heathbrow Girlie’s Ivy

VG88. An in-calf Heathbrow Girlie’s Freesia EX94 daughter she was a

successful member of the Sapsed’s show team.

The dispersal’s second top call at 14,000gns went to Heathbrow

Milky Way VG85, a January 2021 born heifer by Scotland Hill Cairo

11 EX91 and out of Dirnanean Girlie E31 EX93. She was sold with her

three-month-old twin heifer calves at foot, Heathbrow Girlie’s Polly

and Heathbrow Girlie’s Poppy, sired by Heathbrow Masterpieve 21.

The trio went to breed newcomer, Jimmy Hodge, Fellowhills Farm,

Horndean, Berwick upon Tweed.

Heathbrow Kitskats Treasure 9,000gns & Paradise Treasure 4,200gns.

Making 13,200gns in total was Heathbrow Kitkat’s Treasure VG87,

a rising four-year-old Kilbride Farm Newry daughter and out of

Darsham Real Treasure EX91, together with her nine-month-old

heifer calf, Heathbrow Paradise Treasure by Blackford Kirk 19 EX91.

Kitkat’s Treasure who was scanned in calf to Heathbrow Masterpiece

was secured for 9,000gns by J A Griffin, Common Lane, Hemingford,

Huntingdon, while her calf attracted a 4,200gns from V M Bailey and

Sons, Mixbury Hall Farm, Brackley, Northants.

The same buyers went to 7,600gns for their own pair. Heathbrow

Girlie’s Lorna VG87, a February 2021 born heifer by Heathbrow Grand

Slam 15 and sold in-calf to Kilbride Farm Morikawa was knocked

down for 3,800gns, while the Baileys made an identical 3,800gns bid

for her 10-month-pld bull, Heathbrow Napolean 22 by Blackford Kirk

19 EX91.

Heathbrow Magical Star 10,000gns.

Two entries shared a 10,000gns bid. First to go was Heathbrow

Sarah’s Elegance EX94, a Celtic Comet daughter and out of

Dirnanean Sarah. This 10-year-old was sold with her July-born bull

calf, Heathbrow Polo, by Heathbrow Grand Slam to Mr R J Grenham

of Boars Head Farm, Crowborough, East Sussex.

The second 10,000gns call was made by George Scrivens and Holly

Grant, Highfield, Shrewley, Warwickshire for Heathbrow Magical

Star sold in-calf to Blackford Kirk. A January 2021 born Heathbrow

Important 17 daughter, she was out of Heathbrow Ice Star.

The couple’s quest to invest in a heifer calf to show next year was

achieved when they paid 5,200gns Heathbrow Precious, a sixmonth-old

by Heathbrow Important 17 daughter with her dam, the

rising ten-year-old Heathbrow Fancy EX92.

Heathbrow Fizzy 3,200gns & Heathbrow Pheonix 6,500gns.

A cow and calf pair attracted the next highest total at 9,700gns.

The EX90 classified nine-year-old Heathbrow Fizzy by Dirnanean

Welcome and scanned in calf made 3,200gns to Ward Farming, West

Mains Farm, Carnwath, Lanarkshire. A 6,500gns bid secured Fizzy’s


Heathbrow Dispersal

SALES

The Woods and Sapseds with Heathbrow Natasha.

eight-month-old bull calf Heathbrow Phoenix 23, by Heathbrow

Important 17 for Robert Blyth and Son, Harestonhill Farm, Wishaw,

Lanarkshire.

Minutes later, the next heifer and calf unit was sold for a total of

8,400gns. The three-year-old Heathbrow Luxury VG86, by Cairo

made 4,200gns to John Tuohy, Coose Farm, Whitegate, Co Galway,

while the same 4,200gns price tag went to her 10-month-old bull

calf Heathbrow Nautical 22, by Blackford Kirk. The buyer was Speirs

Farms Ltd, Pepsal End, Pepperstock, Luton.

Totalling 7,800gns was Heathbrow Kimberley VG88, an April 2019

born Heathbrow Grand Slam daughter sold in calf to Morikawa

and her nine-month-old bull Heathbrow Paddy 23 by Heathbrow

Important. Kimberley made 3,800gns to Nether Balfour Farms

Park, Balvenie House, Drumolk, Banchory while Paddy attracted a

4,000gns bid from Wisson and Son Partnership, Southwood Farm,

Abbotsley, St Neots.

Heathbrow Heidi VG88 and her eight-month-old twin bulls by

Heathbrow Important 17, went for 7,700gns in total. The seven-yearold

Heathbrow Freddie Star 14 daughter sold in calf to Morikawa was

bid for 2,500gns to Simon Kemp, Kingston, Canterbury. Heathbrow

Pele 23 made 2,400gns to J and M Troup, Southbank Farm, Skene,

Aberdeenshire, while his twin Heathbrow Pogba 23 sold for 2,800gns

to J C McLaren and Partners, Dargill, Crieiff, Perthshire.

Next pair at 7,500gns was the January 2020 born Heathbrow

Lavender VG88 together with her eight-month-old bull calf,

Heathbrow Principal 23. Another Important daughter, Lavender was

sold scanned in calf to Moriawa and made 5,500gns to Inverdunning

Ltd, Inverdunning, Dunning, Perthshire ,while K Thain and Son,

Shank, Huntly, Aberdeenshire went to 2,000gns for Principal.

David Sapsed commented after the sale: “We’re both really delighted

with the trade and it was fantastic to see such widespread demand

for the Heathbrow cattle. There were a lot of new entrants and

younger breeders buying cattle and we hope their purchases set

them off on as enjoyable a pedigree road as we have had. Cattle sold

into Scotland, back to England, and with an export trade to both

Germany and the Republic of Ireland.

“Very much the icing on the cake was the fantastic sale of Heathbrow

Natasha to the Wood family. That’s our first female at auction to

sell for over 10,000gns and for her to set a new Simmental female

record, well it was an unbelievable finale to our pedigree breeding

career.”

Averages: seven cows and calves £6,555; 25 cows £3,948; 12 bull

calves £3,509; eight heifer calves £3,728; 10 in-calf heifers £5,975; 14

maiden heifers £5,955; two bulls £4,883.


SALES

NXTGEN III Carlisle December

BRITISH SIMMENTAL

GEN



SALES

BRITISH SIMMENTAL

GEN

Female Champion Coolcran Heidis Noreen 26,000gns.

‘Classy’ Coolcran Heidis Noreen

sells for 26,000gns at the Next

Gen III Simmental sale

• 26,000gns a record for a NI Simmental

female, and a sale centre record

• 34 heifers average £5,583.53, a sale

record average and up by +£363

• Denizes sell two heifers at 10,000gns

• Islavale Peaches, Weaned Calf

Champion, makes 9,000gns

The classy October 2022 born heifer Coolcran Heidis Noreen

from Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran, Tempo, Co

Fermanagh, sold for 26,000gns to lead the third staging of

the Next Generation Sale of Simmental Females & Weaned Calves at

H&H’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, held on Friday 1 st December.

Earlier in the day Coolcran Heidis Noreen had won the Overall

Supreme Female Championship in front of the judge Reece Simmers

from the noted Backmuir herd, Keith, Banffshire. Come sale time

the opening bid of 10,000gns set the tone for some spirited bidding

and with Reece Simmers backing up his judging by purchasing

the Champion. Coolcran Heidis Noreen is by the AI sire Saltire

Impressive, and is out of Coolcran Ellas Heidi.

Commenting afterwards Reece Simmers said: “This was just a

tremendous heifer with great style, presence, and quality. She is long

and clean with a great top line and good plates. Every angle you

looked at her she was just full of class and very feminine. Coming

to the sale we had no real thought to buying but this was just a


SALES


complete Simmental heifer of a quality that you don’t see very often,

she was a clear Champion in my eyes, and we’re delighted to have

been able to buy her.”

The 26,000gns was a new record for a NI Simmental female, and was

also a new Next Gen Sale, and Simmental centre record. With four

animals on the day making over 10,000gns, the 34 served/maiden

heifers sold averaged £5,583.53 up by +£363 on the year, and again

a new record average for the sale. Three weaned heifer calves

averaged £5,180, and the one cow and calf in the catalogue made

£6,300. The sale saw some strong bidding for the quality lots on offer

from a combination of existing and new breeders.

For Shane and Paul McDonald, Friday 1 st December 2023 was a

“special day we will always remember for the rest of our lives.”

Speaking after the sale Shane McDonald said: “Coolcran Heidis

Noreen was just a stand-out calf from birth, and from one of the

main family lines in the herd. She was a calf that had the potential to

develop into something special and she always caught the eye of any

visitors to the herd. For her to make 26,000gns and to set a new NI

Simmental female is just something we could never have anticipated.

We’re delighted that she’s gone to such a noted herd as Backmuir

and we wish them every success with her.” The Coolcran herd was

established in 2006 and presently comprises of 20 breeding females.

Lifting the Overall Reserve Female Championship and taking the

second top price of 18,000gns was the April 2022 born Overhill

House Neva from Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian. This

heifer is the first female to be offered at sale by Pistyll Kingsman, the

sire of the herd’s record breaking 46,000gns bull Overhill House

Neo, and is out of Overhill House Kitty Kat, an Aultmore Goliath

daughter. Purchasing this heifer for his establishing Towiemore

pedigree herd was the commercial producer Ryan Smith, Towiemore,

Keith, Banffshire who is recognised for buying bulling heifers and

taking top end Simmental heifers with calves at foot in numbers to

the breeding cattle sales at Aberdeen and Northern Marts Thainstone

Centre in May and October each year. Commenting on his purchase

Ryan Smith said: “We have been looking for a heifer with that bit of

class and star quality, and with the genetics to build the herd around.

This Overhill House heifer is I think an absolute prime example of the

modern Simmental. She has great depth and length, tremendous

width across her plates and shoulders, and is just full of breed

character, style and presence. I liked the breeding on both sides of

her pedigree and of course with Pistyll Kingsman as the sire. She

really looks the part but also has a good Maternal Milk figure of +10,

and with her Terminal Sire Index, and Self Replacing Index both being

over +100.” The Towiemore pedigree herd presently comprise of

fifteen cows and the Smith family are looking to grow this to around

25 breeding females.

It was a terrific day for Lancashire breeders MA Barlow & Sons, Four

Oaks, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, with a top team of ten from their noted

Denizes herd averaging a fantastic £5,754 and including two animals

at 10,000gns. The first of these was the winner of Class Three,

Denizes Melody 48 who was purchased at the 10,000gns price by

AJ Bulmer for his Habton pedigree herd at Coultas Farm, Malton,

North Yorkshire. January 2022 born, Denizes Melody 48 is sired by

Blackford Galaxy 15, and is out of Denizes Melody 31 st , a Denizes

Hamish sired animal. The purchase was one of seven made on the

day by Alex Bulmer with others including Lot 220 Skerrington Faith

4 th (P) at 5,500gns; Lot 219 Denizes Cadette 44 th at 4,500gns; Lot 202

Newbiemains Miss Flo at 4,000gns; Lot 209 Denizes Trixi Belle 22 at

4000gns; and Lot 212 Blackford Nalla at 4,000gns.

Reserve Female Champion Overhill House Neva 18,000gns.

Denizes Melody 52 10,000gns.

Denizes Melody 48 10,000gns.

Champion Weaned Calf Islavale Peaches 9,000gns.



SALES

The second Denizes animal at 10,000gns was another from the

Melody family in the shape of Denizes Melody 52. This August

2022 born heifer is by the herd’s prolific Denizes Hamish and is out

of the Ashland Tornado daughter Denizes Melody 18 th . A maternal

sister to Denizes Hero, who sold for 7,000gns to Smallburn Farms,

Denizes Melody 52 was bought by RE & SHW Steggles for their fastestablishing

Wacton pedigree herd at Honingham, Norfolk. It was

repeat custom as at last year’s Next Gen II Sale, the leading maiden

heifer price on the day was the 8,000gns paid for Denizes Eve’s

Beauty 7 th which was also purchased by the Steggles.

Getting the sale off to a cracking start, the June 2020 born Denizes

Rosie 3, a Denizes Hamish daughter, sold with her heifer calf at

foot Denizes Rosie 5 by Grangewood Baron, for 6000gns to local

breeders Messrs Airey, Little Urswick, Ulverston, Cumbria. Other

Denizes animals on the day sold for 6,000gns; 4,500gns; 4,000gns;

3,800gns; and 3,500gns x 3.

Selling at 9,000gns was the youngest animal in the catalogue, the

weaned heifer calf Islavale Peaches from the prolific Islavale herd

of WS Stronach, Berryleys Farm, Keith, Banffshire. Earlier in the

day this April 2023 born heifer had won the Overall Weaned Calf

Championship, and with the Islavale herd having also won this

title last year with the 6,500gns Islavale Nestle. Entirely homebred,

Peaches is the first heifer to be sold Islavale Lucifer 20 EX93, and is

out of Islavale Honeypot VG 86. Of Islavale Peaches the judge Reece

Simmers said: “This a tremendous Simmental heifer calf, full of style

and with a lovely head. Similar in type to my Female Champion she’s

a calf with a very bright future ahead of her. Again she has great

length with a tremendous top and plates, and has a good end with

easy muscling.” Buying the Overall Weaned Calf Champion was

the Burns Family for their establishing Tippetcraig pedigree herd at

High Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. Earlier in the day the Burns had also

purchased the winner of Class Five, Springfield Night Shade from

Gavin Brown, Springfield Farm, Penicuik for 5,000gns. This August

2022 born heifer is by the herd stock bull Islavale Jabba, and is out of

Springfield Imogen. A further purchase at 4,000gns was the weaned

heifer calf Newton House Posh for 4,000gns from JW Gosmore &

Partners, Tattenhall, Chester.

The Islavale herd had two entries in the catalogue and with their

October 2022 born heifer, Islavale Ashley 9, making 7,000gns when

selling to the Lammermuir herd of James Anderson & Son, Headshaw

Farm, Oxton, Lauder, Berwickshire. In the pre-sale show, Islavale

Ashley 9 had stood second in her class to the day’s Overall Female

Champion and sale top price. By Coose Lincoln (ET) EX90, and out of

Islavale Ashley 3 EX91, Islavale Ashley 9’s parents are both classified

EX and her dam is EX95 (EX2), the highest classification for a female

in the Simmental breed. The Anderson’s have a small pedigree herd

presently which they are planning to grow using good quality, select

cattle. The pedigree herd is run alongside a 130-cow commercial her

of Simmental and Limousin cross cows.

Strong supporters of the Next Generation Sales, the Newbiemains

herd of Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbiemains Farm, Annan,

Dumfriesshire again featured in the top prices when selling

Newbiemains Mariah for 7,000gns to the Dovefields pedigree herd

of L Renshaw & I Brassington, Church Broughton, Derbyshire. This

September 2021 born in-calf heifer is by Newbiemains Jetset 18,

and is out of Woodhall Fidelity (P) EX93. Of Newbiemains Mariah The

Dovefields herd presently comprises of 30 head and is run alongside

a flock of 100 sheep.

Newbiemains Mariah 7,000gns.

Springfield Nita 6,000gns.

A first time vendor at the Next Generation Sale, Gavin Brown,

Springfield Farm, Penicuik enjoyed a terrific debut when selling

Springfield Nita to the herd’s top price on the day of 6,000gns. Nita

is by the herd sire Islavale Jabba and is out of Springfield Goldie, a

Woodhall Beautiful daughter and described as the best breeding

line in the herd. This animal was one of three purchases on the day

by Philliphaugh Estate, Selkirk. On the day, three Springfield females

sold for 6,000gns; 5,000gns; and 3,000gns respectively. The herd’s

bull calf Springfield Perry, again by Islavale Jabba, also won the Male

Weaned Calf Class and placed Overall Reserve Weaned Calf.

Father and son team Lindsay and Robert Currie, Pinclanty, Pinmore,

Girvan also made 6,000gns when selling their September 2022 born

heifer Braegarrie Nigella who was a first prize winner in Class Six. With

a depth of breeding behind her, Braegarrie Nigella is sired by Overhill

House Link, an Islavale Heston son, and is out of Braegarrie Helga, a

Teviot Bouncer daughter. Buying this animal was Richard McCulloch,

Armadale, West Lothian for his noted Overhill House pedigree herd.


5,500gns – Lot 220 Skerrington Faith 4 th (P) sold to R Bulmer, Great

Habton, North Yorks

5,500gns – Lot 244 Overhill House Ness sold to J W Gosmore,

Tattenhall, Chester

5,000gns - Lot 203 Boars Head Karina 10 th sold to R & A Simmers,

Keith, Banffshire

5,000gns – Lot 224 Springfield Night Shade sold G & F Burns, High

Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire

4,500gns – Lot 219 Denizes Cadette 44 th sold to R Bulmer, Great

Habton, North Yorks



Semen for Private Sale from Society Members

Sire Herdbook Number Vendor of Semen Email address Contact Details

Atlow Dixon M082827 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Auchorachan Hercules S003111 D & R Durno & Sons michaeldurno@gmail.com 07718 467868

Auchorachan Wizard M072755 Mr J & Mr A Wilson alanwilson241933@gmail.com 07517 461408/02840 631863

Auroch Ace I000891 Mr G W Smith gmsmith1@live.co.uk 01561 320555

Auroch Hudson (P) I002148 D & R Durno & Sons michaeldurno@gmail.com 07718 467868

Ballinalare Farm Galaxy M089523 Mr J & Mr A Wilson alanwilson241933@gmail.com 07517 461408/02840 631863

Beeches Kestrel M053174 Mr G W Smith gmsmith1@live.co.uk 01561 320555

Bel Dhu Capercaillie M079624 Mr J Green laura@wjjgreen.co.uk 01343 870387

Blackford Galaxy M045303 Mr M A Barlow m.barlow@barlowtrailers.co.uk 01772 601403/07921 674041

Blackford Worzel M072312 Mr C Houldey houldey@btconnect.com 07703 488277

Blue Cedar King Kong 19 (PP) M100190 UK Sires/Nigel Darling nigel@intwoodfarm.co.uk 01458 555551 or Nigel Darling 07799 773084

Bosahan Dynamo M082581 Mr M A Barlow m.barlow@barlowtrailers.co.uk 01772 601403/07921 674041

Cairnview Snazzy M066099 W H Robson & Sons info@kilbridefarm.co.uk 02893 340304/07968 814180

Camus Brandy M029502 Mr J & Mr A Wilson alanwilson241933@gmail.com 07517 461408/02840 631863

Chegwidden Alfie M073024 Mrs V Hall halls@chegwiddenfarm.com 07831 834013

Chestermann Varney M070859 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Clonagh A Super Star I000967 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Clonagh Tiger Gallant I000656 D & R Durno & Sons michaeldurno@gmail.com 07718 467868

Coose Lincoln S003313 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Corskie Highlander M090778 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Craighill Laser M055418 Mr G W Smith gmsmith1@live.co.uk 01561 320555

Curaheen Cochise P I001126 Judith Cockerill judithmcockerill@gmail.com 07979404388

Curaheen Giant I001673 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Curaheen Vobster I000776 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Denizes Exclusive S002913 Genus Helen.Roberts@genusplc.com 01270 616616

Denizes Hamish M090827 Mr M A Barlow m.barlow@barlowtrailers.co.uk 01772 601403/07921 674041

Denizes Inferno M095434 Genus Helen.Roberts@genusplc.com 01270 616616

Dirnanean Bradley M076366 Mr J Green laura@wjjgreen.co.uk 01343 870387

Flop Agrochyt I002452 W H Robson & Sons info@kilbridefarm.co.uk 02893 340304/07968 814180

Heathbrow Grand Slam 15 M088330 D A & L A Sapsed highheath@btinternet.com 01438 820216 or 07836 782184

Heathbrow Tristar M067265 Mrs Hayley Clarke info@williamslivestock.com 07799 693582

Hirwaun Rooney M064400 Mr A Davies aledtal76@hotmail.co.uk 07866 282766

Incheoch Keystone (PP) M098034 Mr N F McGowan neil@incheochfarm.co.uk 07788 100010

Islavale Echo 2 M085472 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Islavale Frontier M086926 Mr R S & M E Weatherup roy@weatherup.co.uk 07811 020070

Islavale Guy 15 M089112 Alex King ross@wolfstarfarm.co.uk Ross 07921 256010

Islavale Jerico M096342 Mr S A Gummow killaworgeysims@aol.com 01637 880523 or Gill 07772 098507

Islavale Kerching M098875 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Kilbride Farm Hans (PP) M092351 W H Robson & Sons info@kilbridefarm.co.uk 02893 340304/07968 814180

Killiworgie Emperor 13 M083562 Mr S A Gummow killaworgeysims@aol.com 01637 880523 or Gill 07772 098507

Lakeside Warrior M071338 Mr S A Gummow killaworgeysims@aol.com 01637 880523 or Gill 07772 098507

Manor Park Hansome M092520 Mr C Houldey houldey@btconnect.com 07703 488277

Milnafua Graduate M045753 W H Robson & Sons info@kilbridefarm.co.uk 02893 340304/07968 814180

Omorga Baldwin M076745 AI Services (Robin Boyd) boydsfarm78@gmail.com 02890 833123

Omorga Isaac M093767 AI Services (Robin Boyd) boydsfarm78@gmail.com 02890 833123

Popes Laird M055700 Mr J Green laura@wjjgreen.co.uk 01343 870387

Promi (PP) I001148 Mr & Mrs L Moffat dorothymoffat@hotmail.com 07812 559457

Ranfurly Confederate C24 M080428 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Ranfurly Impeccable S003073 Mr & Mrs AS & YA Leedham grangewood13@gmail.com 07835 254858

Rockytop Luca M10255 Mr W S Stronach stewart@berryleys.co.uk 07779 782777

Shacon Hannibal S003142 AI Services (Robin Boyd) boydsfarm78@gmail.com 02890 833123

Shanehill Victor M070321 Mr C Houldey houldey@btconnect.com 07703 488277

Skerrington Armada M074417 PJ & B Olds oldsbosahan@aol.com 07890 384094

Slievenagh International 17 (PP) M094872 AI Services (Robin Boyd) boydsfarm78@gmail.com 02890 833123

Slievenagh International 17 (PP) M094872 Mr M A Barlow m.barlow@barlowtrailers.co.uk 01772 601403/07921 674041

Sneumgaard Imperator (PP) I001191 W H Robson & Sons info@kilbridefarm.co.uk 02893 340304/07968 814180

Team Fergus M086029 D & R Durno & Sons michaeldurno@gmail.com 07718 467868

Tiset Darwin I000865 Judith Cockerill judithmcockerill@gmail.com 07979 404388


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MEMBERSHIP &

REGISTRATION FEES

Due to the Society’s charitable status the Membership Subscription fees are not subject to

VAT on the full amount and therefore the proportional breakdown has been clearly stated.

FEE £ VAT AT 20% TOTAL

Initial Joining Fee & Prefix Registration £44.68 £8.94 £53.62

Full Annual Subscription Total is split into Vatable and Non Vatable totals

Full Annual proportioned £24.68 zero rated VAT £24.68 £0.00 £24.68

Full Annual proportioned £35.00 plus VAT @ 20% £35.00 £7.00 £42.00

Life Membership Total is £1,200 (inclusive of VAT) (Joining Fee & Prefix Registration included)

Life Membership £1000.00 £200.00 £1200.00

Associate Membership Total is split into Vatable & Non Vatable Totals

£66.68

£1200.00

Associate Membership proportioned £6.34 plus VAT @ 20% £6.34 £1.27 £7.61

Associate Membership proportioned £24.68 zero rated for VAT £24.68 £0.00 £24.68

Overseas ( including Republic of Ireland ) Zero rated for VAT £33.60 £0.00 £33.60

REGISTERING YOUNG MEMBERSHIP ( Max age limit 25yrs )

Initial Joining fee & Prefix Registration £10.72 £2.14 £12.86

Annual Subscription ( Zero rated for VAT ) £21.00 £0.00 £21.00

NON REGISTERING YOUNG MEMBERS ( Max age limit 25yrs )

Annual Subscription £5.25 £0.00 £5.25

Young Life Membership Total is £756 (inclusive of VAT) (Joining Fee & Prefix Registration included)

Young Life Membership £630.00 £126.00 £756.00

REGISTRATIONS

£32.29

£33.86

£756.00

Register within 27 days of birth - On-line £29.00 £5.80 £34.80

Register within 27 days of birth - Tel-Reg £33.00 £6.60 £39.60

Register within 27 days of birth - Paper £40.00 £8.00 £48.00

Birth Notify within 27 days of birth - Paper/Tel-Reg/On-line £10.00 £2.00 £12.00

Register up to 12 months Paper / Tel-Reg / On-line ( previously notified ) £55.51 £11.10 £65.41

Register Over 12 months previously birth notified ( please see below for conditions ) £250.00 £50.00 £300.00

Register Over 12 months not previously birth notified ( please see below for conditions ) £400.00 £80.00 £480.00

Embryo Registration On-line £29.00 £5.80 £34.80

Embryo Registration By Tel-Reg £33.00 £6.60 £39.60

Embryo Registration On Paper £40.00 £8.00 £48.00

Graded Registrations by Tel-Reg (Cannot be processed on-line) £20.53 £4.10 £24.63

Graded Registrations On Paper £27.89 £5.58 £33.47

Performance Recording Records / Steers £1.05 £0.21 £1.26

Birth Notification can ONLY be processed 27 days from the date of birth, no late Birth Notifications will be accepted. Calves born dead should be notified

free of charge. Calves sired by a breed other than Simmental should be notified as Performance only at the rate of £1.26. We encourage all Performance

recording members to record all births but please note Performance only records CANNOT be taken up to full registration at any time. Freemartins should

be Birth Notified within 27 days of birth and must be registered within 12-36 months maximum. Please contact the BSCS for further information.


Amended or Replacement Pedigree Certificate £5.00 £1.00 £6.00

DNA Typing kit per animal £27.50 £5.50 £33.00

Polled DNA test £5.50 £1.10 £6.60

Embryo Flush Form (ET1) price per form £10.00 £2.00 £12.00

Imported Embryo Fee £50.00 £10.00 £60.00

Importation ( Including Republic of Ireland ) to be entered into the British Simmental Herdbook £50.00 £10.00 £60.00

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP ( Payable by Purchaser ) Sale / Private

Purebred £16.53 £3.31 £19.84

Graded £5.36 £1.07 £6.43

Bull used from a Non Member ( Commercial Man ) ( including semen purposes ) £16.53 £3.31 £19.84

* Transfer of Ownership form/s must be completed for privately sold animals *

Exportation Certificate ( Embryo Purposes ) £10.00 £2.00 £12.00

Exportation Certificate ( Live Animal Purposes ) £18.50 £3.70 £22.20

UPGRADING ( Grade inspection of animal on farm )

Price on

Application

ROYALTY SIRE

Registration of Levy Sire £100.00 £20.00 £120.00

Annual Fee to Maintain Levy ( The Annual Levy Fee is invoiced from 1 st January following the year of

Registration )

Administration Fee ( per Levy Registration ) 10%

£54.96 £10.99 £65.95

LATE REGISTRATION MATRIX

• The following pricing matrix and late penalties will apply to all members who are registering calves under these circumstances.

• Calves not registered within the 27 days after date of birth are subject to the fee schedule below.

• Cattle may be registered after 12 months of age, subject to proven DNA parentage testing.

• Please note the fee that is quoted includes the parentage test for the calf only. The DNA typing of the Sire and Dam is £27.50 + VAT, if not

already on file

• Please contact the Registration Department to process any registrations over twelve months of age as this cannot be processed on-line.

1-3 Months 4-6 Months 7-9 Months 10-12 Months

Registrations that are received

after 27 days of birth will then

fall into the pricing matrix for

late fees

Birth Notification fee £12.00 plus

the 12 month registration fee of

£65.41

Birth Notification fee £12.00 plus

the 12 month registration fee of

£65.41 plus late penalty fee of

£18.90 ( £15.75 + VAT )

Birth Notification fee of £12.00

plus the 12 month registration

fee of £65.41 plus late penalty

fee of £37.80 ( £31.50 + VAT)

TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL

£19.03 will be added to the cost

of Registration

£77.41 £96.31 £115.21

Over 12 Months Previously Birth Notified Over 12 Months NOT Previously Birth Notified

£250 + VAT = £300 £400 + VAT = £480

This includes the cost of the DNA test for the calf. Sire & Dam tests

are not included and are £27.50 + VAT each if the profile is not

already on our file.

This includes the cost of the DNA test for the calf. Sire & Dam tests

are not included and are £27.50 + VAT each if the profile is not

already on our file.


ADVERTISING INDEX

Advertiser Prefix Page no

AB Europe 48 & 49

Mr VC Bailey Mixbury hall 23

MA Barlow & Sons Denizes 95

Barlow Trailers 16

R H Bell & Co Teviot 34

Biobest Hi Health Herdcare 64

Bovela 53

Gavin Brown Springfield 79

Cogent 50 & 51

Cornwall Club 73

Richard James Cumming Cwarre 78

Dalton Tags 34

D & R Durno & Sons Auchorachan ISBC

CH Evans & Sons Wroxall BC

Sandra Francis Dinton 22

Genus 43

Ghost DS 22

WJ & J Green Corskie 2 (ISFC)

Mr RJ Grenham Boars Head 100

James Griffin Hemingford 52

Mr SA Gummow Killiworgie 66

H & H 154

Mrs V Hall Chegwidden 23

Harbro 33

Advertiser Prefix Page no

WD & JD Hazelton Ranfurly 127

Mr DC Houldey Manor Park 106

Jonathan S Gunn Mavsey 22

Mr A King Wolfstar 71

Bruce Lambie Fallhills 149

Mr & Mrs AS & YA Leedham Grangewood 35

Mr RJ MacGregor & Mr G W

Smith

Team &

Drumsleed

107

McCartneys 148

Richard McCullough Overhill House 17

S P McDonald Coolcran 79

Mr NF McGowan Incheoch 39

Mr & Mrs L Moffat

Innerwick &

Braidwood

HJW & JC Moore Omorga 52

Mr & Mrs J Olds Bosahan 146

Paragon 55

WH Robson & Sons Kilbride Farm 3

Reece & Andrew Simmers Backmuir 153

RE & SHW Steggles Wacton 65

Strathisla Farms Strathisla 87

Mr WS Stronach Islavale 4

United Auctions 58

A & J Wilson Ballinalare Farm 113

JH & VG Wood Popes 5

64



Top price May 2023 - Overhill House McCoy 10,000gns

SIMMENTAL SALES 2024

Show & Sale of bulls and females

Friday 10 th & Saturday 11 th May

-------------------------------------------------------------

Borderway Agri Expo

Friday 1 st November

-------------------------------------------------------------

NXT Generation Show and Sale

of females & weaned calves

Friday 6 th December

For all up to date information visit our website

harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

T: 01228 406230/406200

E: info@borderway.com

f

l

Borderway Mart

Carlisle CA1 2RS

WROXALL SIMMENTALS

Breeding Tomorrow’s Cattle Today

www.wroxall.com

Rob Evans Tel. 0774 777 3815 Josh Evans Tel. 07867 411515

C H Evans & Son

Kington Grange Farm

Claverdon, Warwickshire

CV35 8PW

rob@wroxall.com

British Simmental Review 2023

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