Buyers from across the country will seek out prize-winning cattle, suitable for further exhibition, at next week’s Thainstone’s Spectacular.
The event, organised by Aberdeen & Northern Marts (ANM), takes place on Friday, August 24.
Jointly sponsored this year by accountancy firm Anderson, Anderson and Brown, and law firm Blackadders, the fixture has attracted a line-up of 45 entries.
ANM head of livestock, John Angus, said: “The Spectacular event is one of our highlights of the year and a great opportunity for buyers to source top-class livestock capable of competing at other national events. As always, we will have an outstanding line-up of summer show champions and a diverse range of prize-winning cattle.”
The pre-sale show will be judged by Dermont Small and a £4,000 cash prize fund and an array of trophies are on offer.
The event starts with the show at 9.30am followed by the sale at 2pm.
Entries this year include a team from noted Orkney breeder Balfour Baillie, including the Orkney County Show overall champion – a December 2017 born Limousin cross steer, sired by Craigatoke Jameson.
Also from Orkney, Keith Eunson will be exhibiting his two prize winners from the best group of three at the Orkney County Show. His steer stood reserve to the champion, and his heifer was first in its class.
Meanwhile, Barry Paterson of Cairndaie Croft, Sauchen, has entered a home-bred April-born Limousin cross bullock, by Lodge Amlet, named Archie’s Boy, which reserve at Banchory.
Perthshire breeders John and Craig Robertson, of Newton of Logierait, have a team of 10 animals forward for the event. The father and son duo are well-known in the commercial cattle market and they secured the top price of £6,000 at last year’s Spectacular when their 11-month-old Limousin cross bullock went under the hammer.
Other consigners include last year’s winners – Mark and Debbie Munro of Invercharron Farm, Ardgay. The couple has high hopes for a heifer that picked up first prize rosettes at every show she attended over the summer, as well as a bullock which stood champion at Nairn.
A team will also be forward from well-known breeders, the Robertson family, from Fodderletter Farms, Tomintouol.
ANM has confirmed it is once more offering a special buyer’s incentive whereby any beast bought at the Spectacular that goes on to win the overall live cattle championships at a number of future winter shows, including the Aberdeen Christmas Classic, will get £500. To qualify, the winning entry must have been purchased at the Spectacular, exhibited by the buyer, and sold at the event as a champion.
