Scottish beef producers displayed growing confidence in the future of their sector at yesterday’s multi-breed pedigree bull sale in Stirling.
It was the biggest May auction of sires since United Auctions began the event on a small scale around 20 years ago.
There were only a handful of Salers bulls but Drumaglea Kes, a son of Drumaglea Bordeaux from P Boyd, Cornaigmore, Tiree made the day’s top price of 12,000gn and was bought by Rednock Estates, Port of Menteith, Stirling.
At 8,500gn the Salers champion, Whitebog Kick-Ass from Alister MacKenzie, Whitebog, Fortrose was bought by W. Duncan and Co, East Lediken, Insch.
In the Charolais section the champion Elgin Lochness sold for 8,500gn.
This sire from the Milnes of Kennies Hillock, Elgin was bought by Allan McArthur, Cretlevane Farm, Balfron Station.
The reserve Charolais champion made 8,000gn for Hamish Goldie, South Bowerhouses, Dumfries and was bought by J. and A. Dunlop, Ashfield Farm, Maybole.
Two bulls sold at 6,000gn including Inverlochy Lustre from John Irvine and son Raymond, Inverlochy Farm, Tomintoul which was bought by John Whiteford and Son, Hilltarvit Mains, Cupar.
In the Simmental section two breeders from the north-east dominated the high prices.
The Green family from Corskie, Fochabers sold their champion, Corskie Glenfiddich for the breed’s top price of 7,400gn to a Cumbrian breeder.
The Greens went on to sell Corskie Global for 7,200gn to J. Fraser, Tore Mains, Tore; and at 6,200gn they sold Corskie Gel to John Meikle, Kirkton of Lundie, Lundie.
The Stronach family from Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, also sold four of the day’s top prices.
At 7,200gn they sold Islavale Guardian to A. Sharpe and Sons, Farmton, Tough; at 6,200gn they sold Islavale Gameboy to Aitken Bros, Riccarton Farm, Linlithgow and Islavale Guru to Auchenlect Estates, Killearn; and at 6,000gn they sold Islavale Gruff to Allan Nicolson, Relugas Mains, Dunphail, Forres.
The top price in the Limousin sale was 7,200gn, paid by A. and H. Sim and Sons, Rorandle, Monymusk for Goldies Liam from Bruce Goldie, Townfood, Mouswald, Dumfries. Mr Goldie also sold Goldies Legionaire at 6,200gn to J. and R. Semple, Netherton Farm, Dalrymple.
At 6,500n the champion, Dyke Lino from J. R. MacGregor, Dyke Farm, Milton of Campsie was bought by William Thomson and Son, Hilton of Beath, Kelty. Mr MacGregor also sold Dyke Luke at 6,400gn to H. and R. Davidson, Corsairtly Farm, Keith.
The Aberdeen-Angus breed sold to a top of 6,800gn for Linton Gilbertines Lazer from the Trustees of the late Gordon Brooke, Upper Huntleywood Farm, Earlston. He was bought by Mr Lindsay.
The champion, Blelack Lord Hardie from the Massies, Firmaron, Aboyne made 6,200gn and was bought by the Scottish Government’s bull stud at Inverness.
Only four Shorthorn bulls sold, to a top of 6,000gn for Ballylinney John Boy from L. J. Townsend, Coxhill Farm, Moffat. He was bought by The Scottish Government’s bull stud.
In the Highland section a top price of 5,000gn was paid for champion Bryden 1st of Culfoich from the McConachie family at Culfoichmore, Advie, Grantown.
Averages: 51 Limousins £4,025; 37 Simmentals £4,475; 25 Charolais £4,578; 30 Aberdeen-Angus £4,354; 9 Salers £5,635; 4 Shorthorns £4,300; 4 Highlands £1,811.
