A number of breeders from the north and north-east have been selected as judges for United Auctions’ May bull sale.
The judge for the Highland section is Bob McWalter of Corpach, Fort William, while the Salers will be assessed by Orkney breeder Terry Coghill.
Banff breeder Ellis Mutch of Burnside of Whitefield will judge the Charolais section, while Victor Watson of Ballie Furth Farm at Grantown on Spey has been named as judge for the Beef Shorthorns.
The other judges are: Andrew W. Clarke of Tynan, Co. Armagh – Simmental; Michael Norman, of Little Orton Farm, Carlisle – Limousin; and Caroline Orr of Halbeath Farm, Dunfermline – Aberdeen-Angus.
The fixture has been extended to three days this year to accommodate the show and sale of 304 pedigree bulls and females.
Sponsored by machinery company Agricar, the event takes place from Saturday April 29 to Monday May 1.
Bull inspections begin on the Saturday followed by an “extravaganza of judging” on the Sunday with pre-sale shows of Charolais, Simmental, Limousin, Salers and Highland cattle.
The judging for Aberdeen-Angus and Beef Shorthorn bulls takes place from 9am on the Monday before the sales of all nine breeds begin at 10.30am.
United Auctions said the increased entries, up from 262 last year, was down to a record number of pedigree Limousin and Aberdeen-Angus bull forward at 75 and 59 entries respectively. Salers entries are also up significantly to 13.
The auction company’s group sales director John Roberts said: “This back-to-back boost in entries is down to the continued support of Scottish breeders and consignors south of the border for what is now firmly recognised as a significant pedigree cattle event in the farming calendar.
“The May Bull Sale has grown steadily year-on-year from 40 cattle in the early days to more than 300 forward this year. Buyers can be sure of a tremendous show of top quality bulls from some of the finest herds showcasing excellent genetics.”
Well-known west coast auctioneer Raymond Kennedy, who is leading the Highland cattle sale on the Monday at 10.30am, said: “May is such a significant date for the Highland sale diary so we’re particularly pleased to be continuing to draw growing numbers of consignors and buyers to the City of Stirling at this time of year.”
The other judges are
United Auctions is also hosting a commercial show and sale of Simmental breeding cattle on Monday May 1. Sponsored by Carrs Billington, the contest will take place in the mart’s sheep ring.
