Simmentals from the Stronach family’s Islavale herd topped the breed section at the Stirling Bull Sales twice when they made 14,000gn each.
The world famous sales was held at United Auctions’ base in Stirling and all exhibitors and buyers were required to follow strict Covid-19 rules including wearing a mask at all times.
In all, 52 bulls sold to average £5,589 at a clearance rate of 64% – this is up £411 on last year’s sale.
The first sale topper from the Stronachs at Berryleys Farm, Grange, Keith, was April 2019-born Islavale Kristoff. By Corskie Highlander, he sold to Pitgaveny Farms near Elgin.
The other at 14,000gn, selling to J & J Patullo, Sandyford, Kirriemuir, was April 2019-born Islavale Kai, by Curaheen Giant 2.
Next best at 11,500gn was April 2019-born Strathisla Kinloch, by Atlow Dixon, from Adrian Ivory, Strathisla Farms, Meigle, Perthshire. He sold to the Barclays at Harestone Farm, Insch.
The Clarks, who run the Broombrae herd at Auchtermuchty, Fife, topped at 10,000gn for Broombrae Kojac, by Lisglass Goldstar. He sold to D Lowry, Newsteadings Farm, Lanark.
Meanwhile, the last bull in the ring sold for 9,000gn. This was Greencap Kane, by Denizes Fabio, from Aberdour breeder Colin Inglis. He sold to Michael Durno for his Auchorachan herd at Glenlivet, Ballindalloch.
Other leading prices included: 8,500gn for Denizes Kylian, by Denizes Hamish, from Lancashire breeder Michael Barlow, selling to D M Keay & Son, East Balloch, Kirriemuir, and 8,000gn for Backmuir Knight, by Corrick Hayden, from Reece and Andrew Simmers, Backmuir, Keith, selling to EM Smith & Sons, Towiemore, Drummuir.
Two lots then sold for 7,000gn. These were: Drumsleed Karate, by Wolfstar Gordy, from the Smiths at Drumsleed, Fourdoun, Laurencekirk, selling to N & M McLellan, Kilchiaran Farm, Isle of Islay; and Backmuir Knox, by Corrick Hayden, from the Simmers, selling to W J Fraser & Sons, Auchnarrow, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch.
The Smiths at Drumsleed also made 6,800gn when they sold Drumsleed Know-how, by Wolfstar Gordy, to S & J Urquhart, Bogloch, Lumphannan.
The Stronachs at Islavale achieved numerous other leading prices. These included: 6,500gn for Islavale Kiddo, by Corskie Highlander, selling to AH Smith, Low Arkland Farm, Castle Douglas; and 6,000gn for Islavale Kuzco, also by Highlander, selling to the Scottish Government’s bull stud.
Lastly, Strathisla Farms also made 5,800gn when they sold Strathisla Kruger, by Linde General, to A & J Craig, Craigton, Castle Douglas.
Females topped at 4,800gn for a three-year-old cow with her heifer calf at foot from Michael Barlow.
Denizes Trixie Belle 12, by Dinton Nautical, was sold in-calf to Blackford Galaxy. Her heifer calf, Denizes Trizie Belle 17, is by Slievenagh International. The pair sold to the Stevensons at Ballingry Farm, Fife.
Second best at 3,600gn, selling to B Steel, Powblack Farm near Stirling, was a six-year-old cow with her heifer calf at foot from A J Wilson, Westcroft Farm, Kilwinning, Ayrshire. The cow was Cairnview Tilly 3rd, by Bruchag Awesome, and her heifer calf was by Woodhall Ferarri.
