Incessant snow showers and an amber weather warning failed to deter farmers from attending the Royal Northern Spring Show at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, yesterday.
A reduced number was forward at the pedigree bull sale, due to wintery weather, however a new centre record for a Simmental was set when the breed champion from the pre-sale show exchanged hands for 13,000gn.
This was the interbreed champion from last year’s Black Isle Show – March-2016 born Blackford Hero from Anne MacPherson of Blackford Farm, Croy, Inverness. By the 18,000gn Kilbride Farm Doubleaction, he sold to Northern Irish breeder Gavin Hayes for his Haystar herd.
Next best at 8,200gn was a Charolais from Charles McCombie, Auchincrieve, Rothiemay, Huntly. April-2016 born Auchincrieve Montreal, by Olrig Highwayman, sold to E. Innes and Son, Deskie Farm, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Thereafter 8,000gn was paid three times. First at this price was the reserve Charolais champion – Kinclune Marco from Jock Wilson and Sons, Kinclune, Glenkindie, Alford. He sold to the Wilsons at Fichlie, Glenkindie, Alford.
The second was Charolais bull Tonley Mahez, from the Watties at Mains of Tonley, Alford. The buyer was C. Smith, Broomhill Farm, Dunecht, Westhill.
The last at 8,000gn was Corskie Heck, from the Greens at Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Fochabers. He sold to Elsick Estate.
Other leading prices included 6,500gn for the overall champion, Limousin bull Emslies Messi from Harry Emslie, Kinknockie, Mintlaw. He sold to J.A. Cruickshank, Coleburn Farm, Longmorn, Elgin.
The Angus champion – Tonley Kane from the Watties – sold for 5,200gn to the Riddells at Nether Coullie, Kenmay, Inverurie.
