High commercial interest in Charolais bulls at Stirling drove the average to £5,676 for the 33 bulls sold, up £274 on last year for six more sold, with a clearance rate of 79% and 20 lots making 5,000gns and above.

Society CEO Peter Phythian commented, “The commercial farmer has driven the trade here at Stirling today, opting for a Charolais bull to produce Charolais sired suckler calves which top the markets on weight for age”.

Mccornick Nesquik – 8,500gns champion

Topping the lots and following on from his success in the previous day’s show was the supreme champion Mccornick Nesquik who was purchased by T Howden and Sons, Balerno, Mid Lothian, for 8,500gns. The May 2017-born Nesquik, who is sired by Thrunton Hermes and out of Mccornick Glacier, who goes back to the Carlisle reserve junior champion Edenhurst Dynamo, was bred and exhibited by the McCornick family, Kirkcowan, Wigtownshire, who not only made the top price of the day with the champion, but were also awarded the reserve championship by pre-sale judge David Thornley.

Mccornick Newyork – 6,500

Their reserve champion was the previous lot and classmate Mccornick Newyork, another Hermes son, this time bred out Mccornick Hugsy, also a Dynamo daughter. He was knocked down at 6,500gns and found a new home in Thurso, Caithness, with RM Mackay and Sons.

The two bulls were shown by the McCornick sisters, 25 year-old Gemma and her 21 year-old sister Kate. Champion handler Gemma, a third generation Charolais breeder, who has worked full time on the farm since finishing her studies at Agricultural college in Edinburgh in 2015, has taken over the responsibility for the management of the pedigree sale bulls, both Charolais and Aberdeen Angus and was delighted with the day’s trading.

Alongside their small pedigree Charolais herd, the family also run 80 pedigree Aberdeen Angus cows, 450 breeding ewes and 30 head of commercial cattle, consisting Aberdeen Angus cross cows all served to a Charolais bull, the resulting progeny of which are sold as sucklers at Stirling in the Autumn.

The champion and reserve are the Mccornick family’s first Charolais bulls sold through a Society sale ring since May 2015 and their biggest Charolais success since they sold the 10,000gns Mccornick Fusion at Carlisle in November 2011, as most of their bulls are sold to local repeat customers from the farm gate.

Thrunton Norseman – 8,000gns

Following on at 8,000gns was the 23 month-old Thrunton Norseman. The homebred Thrunton Gladiator is the sire here, who has bred over 180 sons and daughters into the herd and Norseman’s dam Thrunton Ellie is sired by the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman. He caught the eye of Messrs Strain, Ballantrae, Ayrshire, and was the first of three high priced lots to pass through the ring for breeders and exhibitors JHC Campbell and Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland.

Thrunton Nemo – 6,500gns

Next in the trade stakes for the Campbell’s at 6,500gns was Thrunton Nemo, an October 2017-born son of Thrunton Gladiator and Thrunton Francis, a 16,000gns Carlisle reserve intermediate champion Maerdy Cecil daughter who was purchased by Messrs Thomson, Kelty, Fife.

The Campbell family’s other high-priced lot sold just moments earlier for 6,000gns. The 19 month-old Thrunton Neapolitan, is a son of the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem and the home-bred dam Thrunton Gretel who goes back to Thrunton Doubletop and took the fancy of RT Phaup and Partner, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire.

Westcarse Nimrod – 7,800gns

The first of three to be knocked down at 7,800gns was John Christie and Son’s Westcarse Nimrod from Stirling, Stirlingshire. Nimrod is by Mortimers Highlandfling and out of the Kersknowe Clansman-sired Westcarse Emily. In his first showing last year, the September 2017-born Nimrod was crowned senior and continental champion at the Stars of the Future show and James Moir takes him home to work in Keith, Banffshire.

Harestone Nelson – 7,800gns

Matching the 7,800gns price tag and snapped up by the Scottish Government, Inverness, was Harestone Nelson, a 19 month-old class winner, sired by the Irish-born Knockmahon Ireland and out of Harestone Emmanuel going back to the Highland show supreme champion Harestone Ronsard. He was bred and exhibited by Neil Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire.

Lochend Noelle -7,800gns

The other 7,800gns lot was Lochend Noelle, an October 2017-born son of the 8,000gns and popular AI bull, Blelack Blackberet and Lochend Jinglebell, who goes back to Mortimers Highlandfling. Noelle was purchased by W Young and Sons, Ochiltree, Ayrshire. His consigner Iain Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire, was another breeder having a lucrative day, going on to sell the youngest lot of the sale, the 15 month-old yellow ticket winner Lochend Orator for 7,200gns. Orator, who caught the eye of Messrs McCarlie, Harthill, Lanarkshire, is by Mortimers Highlandfling and out of Lochend Freedom, a Kersknowe Clansman daughter.

Lochend Orator – 7,200gns

Selling at 7,500gns was an entry from Major David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire. Balthayock Neville who placed third in his class at the pre-sale show is sired by the homebred Balthayock Influence and his dam Balthayock Frolick is a daughter of the 10,000gns Balmyle Churchill. The August 2017-born Neville goes on to work in Kilbirn, Ayrshire for TRC Logan.

Balthayock Neville – 7,500gns

Next and the first of two to sell at 7,000gns was Kersknowe Neil from J Jeffrey, Kelson, Roxburgshire. G Wilson and Sons, Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire, were the last bidders standing on this 20-month-old son of the 16,000gns Burradon Insomniac and Kersknowe Hazel, a daughter of the 8,500gns Balnuith Carvalho.

Another class winner to bring 7,000gns when chapped down Glenkiln Farms, Crocketford, Dumfries-shire, was the blue ticket winner Inverlochy November. The Highland show champion Kilbline 1 Instigator son and November 2017-born November, was consigned by John and Raymond Irvine, Tomintoul, Banffshire and out of the 12,000gns Maerdy Eryr-sired Inverlochy Hyacinth.

Inverlochy November – 7,000gns

The class winner Overhill Nightrider was the next of the high-priced lots to sell. 6,500gns was the price that secured the 17 month-old Nightrider from exhibitor Richard McCulloch, Armadale, West Lothian. He is a son of the 25,000gns Stirling intermediate champion Inverlochy Ferdie and the Alwent Goldbar daughter Overhill Leska and Woodmill Farms, Dunshelt, Fife, were the purchasers.

Overhill Nightrider – 6,500gns

Two more bulls then achieved 6,000gns apiece; the first was an entry from Jim Muirhead of Arbroath, Angus. Firhills Nugget, a 20-month-old son of the 8,800gns Stirling reserve junior champion Ugie Echo and the 20,000gns Royal Welsh show supreme champion Maerdy Grenadier daughter Firhills Jane, was purchased by A McEwan, Arbroath, Angus.

The other to secure a price tag of 6,000gns was Hamish Goldie’s Goldies Nelson from Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire, who caught the eye of Messrs Orr, Cleghorn, Lanarkshire. This November 2017-born bull is a son of Goldies Formidable, whose sons have sold to 26,000gns and the Blelack Blackberet daughter, Goldies Irene.

Averages: 33 bulls £5,676.36
Auctioneers: United Auctions
Judge: David Thornley, Swadlincote, Derbyshire

A small but high-quality offering of Charolais saw a solid trade at Dungannon on Monday 6 May where 11 bulls sold to a top price of 3,300gns and an average of £2,539.

The sale leader at 3,300gns was the blue ticket winner Killadeas Oriel from Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballina Mallard, Co Fermanagh. The 13 month-old Oriel is sired by Roughand Jaden, out of the home-bred Killadeas Letty who goes back to Gwenog Braveheart and was purchased by James Rice, Armagh, Co Armagh.

Supreme Champion Fymore Olaf for Mr S McCaughey with Judge Kevin Reavey & Sean McGovern

Mr F Lapin, Poyntzpass, Co Down, were the next to purchase, spending 3,000gns and taking home the supreme and male champion Fymore Olaf. Olaf is a January 2018-born son of the 18,000gns Perth intermediate champion Fury Action and Fymore Holly who is sired by the 38,000gns Perth reserve junior champion Goldies Champion and was bred and exhibited by Sean McCaughey, Augher, Co Tyrone.

Close behind and securing 2,800gns was Derryharney Oddball who took the fancy of Eric Robinson, Armagh, Co Armagh when he was tapped out second in his class at the pre-sale show. This 15 month-old entry from Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh, Crummy, Co Fermanagh, is sired by Dooley Lewis while his maternal grandsire is the 10,000gns Perth supreme champion Thrunton Bonjovi.

Derryharney Oddball for Harold Stubbs & Alan Burleigh

Next at 2,500gns was Mountjoy Nepal who was awarded a yellow ticket for breeder Caldwell McAskie, Tully, Co Tyrone. A son of the Royal Welsh show reserve male and junior champion Montgomery Ianto and the 13,000gns Perth junior champion Simpsons Gregg-sired Mountjoy Florrie, this September 2017-born lad travels on to work in Newtownhamilton, Co Down, with new owner Richard Bailie.

Matching the 2,500gns price tag was the January 2018-born born Brigadoon Oakley from David and Albert Connolly, Ballynahinch of Co Down. Frank Mullin liked the look of this yellow ticking winning son of 10,000gns Stirling reserve junior champion Goldies Icon and Royal Capitan daughter Brigadoon Indigo and takes him home to work in Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone.

Heading up the female section at 2,400gns was the June 2017-born Killadeas Nuala. Sired by the proven high performing, short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger and out of Killadeas Jean, who goes back to the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Blackford Dynamite, she was purchased by Phelim and Bronagh Caraher, Crossmaglen, and bred and exhibited by the aforementioned Stuart and David Bothwell.

The Bothwell’s carried on their success with the reserve female champion Killadeas Nanette, who was next in the trade stakes at 2,350gns. This time purchased by N McGrattan, Kircubbin, Co Down, the aforementioned Roughan Jaden was the sire and the Clogher show intermediate female champion Killadeas Gloria – a Blackford Dynamite daughter – the dam of this October 2017-born lass.

The final noteworthy entry of the sale came from Harold Stubbs and grandson Alan Burleigh. Picking up a yellow ticket earlier in the day, Derryharney Naughtygirl went on to secure 2,300gns when knocked down to Clare Ferris, Millisle, Co Down. The breeding here includes the 10,000gns Perth supreme champion Thrunton Bonjovi and Derryharney Hazel, a daughter of the 9,000gns Balmoral show supreme champion Goldies Carnival.

Averages 1 bulls £2,539.09, 3 heifers £2,467.50.
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart
Sponsor: Moore Concrete
Judge: Kevin Reavy, Jerretspass, Newry.

There was ready commercial trade for Charolais at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Saturday 11^th May, where 61 bulls sold to average £4,855.82 with a clearance of 75% and 22 lots sold for 5,000gns and above.

Top Price, Reserve Supreme Champion Caylers Napoleon – 12,000gns

Top priced at 12,000gns was the reserve supreme, reserve male and reserve intermediate champion Caylers Napoleon from the Barker family at Caylers Charolais, Nuthamptead, Hertfordshire, who went on to sell a total of four bulls to average £6,892.50. The 17 month-old Napoleon who was knocked down at 12,000gns in a two way share between John & Raymond Irvine, Ballindalloch, Aberdeenshire and Jim Muirhead, Arbroath, Angus, is sired by the Irish-born Rosanna Jupiter and out of Caylers Fuchsia, a Caylers Bombadier daughter.

Next from the same vendor came the blue ticket winner Caylers Oscar, who is also sired by Rosanna Jupiter. One of the sales younger lots, the January 2018-born Oscar, who is bred out of the Thrunton Dominator-sired Caylers Glamour, caught the eye of Messrs Edmondson, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria, who purchased him for 6,000gns.

Also from the Caylers yard and selling at 5,600gns, was the 17 month-old Caylers Nougat. This time purchased by J Griffiths, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, he is out of the Royal Highland show reserve junior male champion Elgin Davinci daughter, Caylers Inspiration and sired by First, whose first two sons sold last month at Welshpool averaging £6,300.

The day’s other five figure bull was Bill Bruce’s reserve junior champion from Meigle, Perthshire. Balmyle Oleary, a 13 month-old by the 11,000gns Carlisle reserve champion Balmyle Jasper, whose first son sold for 20,000gns, was knocked down sold to Major David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire, for 10,000gns. His dam is the 9,500gns Maerdy Egret daughter Balmyle Halo.

Balmyle Oleary – 10,000gns

Next in the trade stakes at 9,000gns was the class winner Goldies Network. The 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman is the sire of this December 2017-born lad, while his dam Goldies Jewel goes back to Goldies Gladiator. Local breeder William Cleasby, Temple Sowerby, Cumbia, was the buyer and he was offered for sale by Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfries-shire, who sold a total of three to average £6,930.

Goldies Network – 9,000gns

Mr Goldie’s other top lot selling for 8,000gns, was the supreme, male and intermediate champion Goldies Noted. Judge Sean McGovern of the Ratoary Charolais herd, Co Tyrone, placed him top commenting “the champion found me, I liked his moves, a long clean bull with nice quarters and top line, with a great head, locomotion and balance, the type of bull I would like to see in my own yard.” Another Gretnahouse Heman son, this time bred out of Goldies Jinny, a 34,000gns Perth supreme champion Goldies Uppermost daughter, the 17 month-old Noted goes on to work in Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, for his new owners Gelston Castle Farms.

Supreme Champion Goldies Noted – 8,000gns

Another lot knocked down at 8,000gns, was Gretnahouse Ninja, who had placed third in his class at the previous day’s show. The December 2017-born Ninja is sired by Westcarse Jimmy, whose first four sons sold averaged £8,250 at Stirling in February, and out of Gretnahouse Fayesse, who has previously bred bulls to 7,500gns, and is in turn sired by the 25,000gns Perth senior champion Thrunton Camelot. He was purchased by A Smellie, Peebles, Roxburghshire and consigned by Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfries-shire, who achieved the highest herd average of the day, 7,008.75 for his four bulls.

Gretnahouse Ninja – 8,000gns

Mr Houston’s next highest priced, selling at 7,200gns to William Forbes, Ballindalloch, Banffshire, was the class winner Gretnahouse Nelson. Westcarse Jimmy is also the sire of this 17 month-old whose dam is the 17,000gns Balthayock Gladiator daughter Gretnahouse Jaywatch.

Gretnahouse Nelson – 7,200gns

Gretnahouse Neon, a blue ticket winner, was the other of Alasdair Houston’s top selling lots. 6,500gns was the price paid for Neon, an October 2017-born son of Westcarse Jimmy and the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox daughter Gretnahouse Jusilla, who was purchased by Messrs Strain, Ballantrae, Ayrshire.

Whitecliffe Nico, who was tapped out second in his class, was the next highest priced at 7,800gns. Bred and exhibited by Mike and Jane Hayhurst, Kirbymisperton, North Yorkshire, this 20 month old 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister son, was snapped up by Rachel Dawson, Newton Burgoland, Leicestershire. His dam Whitecliffe Heather is a Blelack Digger daughter.

Whitecliffe Nico – 7,800gns

Not far behind at 7,500gns was the March 2017-born Ricnick Nelson, a top 1% calving ease bull, who placed second in his class at the presale show. He is no stranger to the show-ring, having secured the Dumfries show male championship last year. The 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax is the sire here and he is out of Ricnick Jump, a Logan Geordie daughter. Offered for sale by Richard McCornick, Lochfoot, Dumfries-shire, he was purchased by AH Fisher, Portpatrick, Wigtownshire.

Ricnick Nelson – 7,500gns

The next highest priced lot was knocked down sold to Messrs Coghill, Birsay, Orkney, for 7,200gns. Seaville Nero, a yellow ticket winner and 20 month-old son of the National show reserve male champion Sportsmans Linesman, was consigned by Robert and Kathleen Jackson, Blencogo, Cumbria. His dam Seaville Julie goes back to the popular and easy calving AI sire Blelack Digger.

Seaville Nero -7,200gns

Also in the money were W K and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, when a 7,000gns bid secured their blue ticket winner Glenericht Nacho. Douganhill Farms, Palmackie, Kirkcudbrightshire, purchased this September 2017-born lad, who is sired by the Royal show and Royal Highland show supreme champion Fleets Vibrant and out of the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator daughter, Glenericht Jarling.

Glenericht Nacho – 7,000gns

Matching the 7,000gns price tag was Andrew Stott’s class winner Tophill Oscar from Canonbie, Dumfries-shire. A 16 month-old son of the 10,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Ratoary Ferguson and the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister-sired Edenhurst Rosett he was purchased by Messrs Gilleard, Thorne, South Yorkshire.

Tophill Oscar – 7,000gns

Commanding a 6,500gns bid from an undisclosed purchaser was the 9,000gns Carlisle class winner Nuthampstead Judas son, Westcarse Napoleon, who stood second in his class at the pre-sale show. John Christie, from Stirling, Stirlingshire, was the exhibitor of the December 2017-born Napoleon, who is bred out of Westcarse Gill, a Kersknowe Clansman daughter.

Two bulls then achieved 5,500gns apiece, with the first coming from Thor Atkinson’s Arradfoot and Newland Pedigree Livestock, Newland, Cumbria. Arradfoot Nixon, who picked up a yellow ticket at the pre-sale show, has previously been crowned reserve supreme champion at Thirsk calf show and reserve calf champion at the English winter fair. A 17 month-old son of the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox, and the 6,800gns Glenrock Jewel, another Dingle Hofmeister daughter, he caught the eye of Glen Park Farms, Balerno, Mid Lothian.

The other 5,500gns lot was Ellerton Oldstone who had been tapped out second in his class for breeder and exhibitor Andrew Brown, Foggathorpe, Yorkshire, and sold to Messrs Shennan and Sons, Girvan, Aryshire. The 19,000gns Perth reserve junior champion Corrie Alan is the sire of the March 2018-born Oldstone and his dam Ellerton Honeysuckle goes back to the £15,000 Lowerffrydd Benhurr.

There was plenty of trade for Charolais females, with heifers selling to 4,800gns twice, both of which were consigned by the aforementioned Hamish Goldie. Goldies Nancy, who had placed second in her class the previous day was the first, a 25 month-old daughter of the 14,000gns Goldies Joss and the Goldies Formidable-sired Goldies Juliette, she sold served to Messrs Strain, Ballantree, Ayrshire.

Goldies Nancy – 4,800gns

The other of Mr Goldies lots to be knocked down at 4,800gns was the July 2017-born and Gretnahouse Heman sired, class winner, Goldies Nice. Out of Goldies Incense another Goldies Formidable daughter, she was purchased by Whitemills Ltd, Marden, Herefordshire, which is a new venture set up by Botswanan resident Patricia Johnson-Hill. Her son in law and stockman, UK born Clive Marshall, moved over to Botswana in 1985 to take over the running of the Charolais herd there after working for the De Crespigny herd with Gordon Brookes. Clive, who will be establishing Patricia’s Charolais herd here in the UK, is travelling over later this month with the intention of selecting more base females for the herd. He is looking for “structurally correct females with very good figures”.

Goldies Nice – 4,800gns

Whitemills Ltd went on to purchase another of Mr Goldie’s lots, the reserve female champion Goldies Nora for 3,500gns. The 19 month-old Nora is bred out of Goldies Jean, who also goes back to Goldies Formidable and is sired by Gretnahouse Heman.

Goldies Nora – 3,500gns

A cracking draft of heifers from Roy and Matthew Milne, Lhanbryde, Morayshire, was up for sale next and saw the ten heifers on offer average £1785.00 with a top price of 4,000gns for the 16 month-old Elgin Natty, who was purchased by Ellis Mutch to join his herd in Forglen, Banffshire. She is sired by the 11,000gns Woodpark Elgin, while her dam Elgin Juliet, a half-sister to the 28,000gns Stirling supreme champion Elgin Glenlivet, goes back to the Highland show supreme champion Elgin Highroller.

Another of the Milne’s family top lots was the February 2017-born Elgin Nicky, who sold served to Messrs Bowen, Molleston, Pembrokeshire for 3,200gns. Again sired by Woodpark Elgin, Nicky is out of the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator daughter, Elgin Ida.

The highest priced cow and calf outfit was bred and consigned by Fred, June and Emma Andrews of Holmfirth, Yorkshire. Holtstead Libby, a December 2015-born first calving heifer, who sold served to the 10,000gns Stirling senior champion Chunal Dougie, is sired by the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox and her dam Holtstead Gina goes back to the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister. She was purchased by E Hourston, Swannay, Orkney, along with her six month-old, Blelack Digger-sired bull calf, Holstead Odin for 3,500gns.

Averages: 61 bulls £4,855.82; 17 heifers £2272.94; 3 cows and calves £2765.00
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.
Judge: Sean McGovern, Clogher, Co Tyrone.

The Charolais Supreme Championship at this year’s Balmoral Show went to the day’s female champion, the January 2017-born Elgin Nancy.  A recent purchase by exhibitor Patrick Gallagher, who bought her home to Maghera from the Morayshire based herd of Roy and Matthew Milne. She is sired by the 11,000gns Woodpark Elgin while her dam the Highland show class winning Elgin Electra goes back to the French born Harestone Tyrol. Nancy was much admired for her power and presence in the show ring and she went to take Honourable Mention in the contest for Interbreed Champion.

Standing reserve to both Charolais Champion titles was Susan & Jack Smyth’s homebred Bessiebell Nana from Magheracolton.  A 22 month-old daughter of the Stirling intermediate champion Derryharney Jumbo and the Doonally New-sired Dungannon female champion Aghyoule Finoula.  This young heifer is sure to have a successful future.

Judge in the Charolais section was Archie McGregor the current President of British Charolais Cattle Society who hails from Glasgow.  He needs no introduction across the pedigree and commercial cattle world, from the Allanfauld herd, he has had a very successful breeding and showing career.

The Charolais breed took the Reserve Champion spot in the Linden foods Beef Groups consisting of Susan & Jack Smyth’s Bessiebell Nana, David & Shirley Bothwell’s Killadeas Olaf and WD & JA Connolly’s Brigadoon Olivia.  They were an excellent young team that represented the breed very well.

There was no doubting the quality on show for the Charolais breed this year, with the Charolais male champion going on to take the title of the Fane Valley Interbreed Beef Performance Bull Champion from D & S Bothwell with Killadeas Olaf, sired by Battleford Laser and out of Killadeas Dainty, a Dunlon Ulick daughter.

WD & JA Connolly took reserve championship in the Ulster Bank Interbreed exhibitors bred pairs with Brigadoon Nyoka and Brigadoon Nigella.  These excellent two year-old heifers where both sired by Goldies Icon, who also sired the Brigadoon herd’s junior female champion Brigadoon Olivia.

There was a huge level of interest in the Charolais breed across the four days of the show, with visitors complimenting the high levels of quality across the classes, and many breeders spending significant time at the ringside and in the cattle lines.  The club also attracted much discussion at the breed stand where they were attracted by a superb Charolais beef display from the Marquess Family Butchers, Muckamore, Antrim.

The club is indebted to the breeders for bringing out such a fine display of cattle, the British Charolais Society, the section sponsor and the RUAS; their staff and many committees and sub-groups, as well as the farming press for all their hard work in rolling out the Balmoral Showcase.

We wish all members well on the local show circuit with the next date on the calendar for the club is the NI National Charolais Championship and the 2019 Charolais National Youth Stock Judging Final both to be held at Clogher Valley show on 31^st July 2019.  For more information contact Club Secretary Eilis Kelly or Club Chairman David Connolly.

Class 599 – Cow, born before 01/01/2016, in milk or in calf
1^st – Gail Matchett – Tawny Jasmine – s Doonally New
2^nd – WD & JA Connolly – Wesley Glamarous – s. Balthayock Aesop

Tawny Jasmine

Class 600 – Cow or Heifer, in milk orin calf born in 2016
1^st – Robert McWilliams – Stranagone Monalisa – s. Stranagone Jones
2^nd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Milan – s. Brigadoon Himself
3^rd – Andrew McCammond – Crossane Mia – s. Alwent Goldbar

Stranagone Monalisa

Class 601 – Heifer, born on or after 01/01/2017and on or before 30 June 2017
1^st – Patrick Gallagher – Elgin Nancy – s. Woodpark Elgin
2^nd – Gail Matchett – Summervilla Niki – s. Cavelands Fenian
3^rd – Steven O’kane – Gallaran Nicole – s. Rumsden Fawkes

Elgin Nancy

Class 602 Heifer, born on or after 01/07/2017 and on or before 31/12/2017
1^st – Susan Smyth – Bessiebell Nana – s. Derryharney Jumbo
2^nd – Gail Matchett – Limekiln Nicole – s. Panama
3^rd – Andrew McCammond – Crossane Nora – s. Tullygarley Alibaba

Bessiebell Nana

Class 603 – Heifer, born on or after 01/01/2018
1^st – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Olivia– s. Goldies Icon
2^nd – Jeremy Paynter – Drumilly Overjoyed – s. Invictus
3^rd – Joseph Wilson – Ballinlare Olive – s. Harestone Jackson

Brigadoon Olivia

Class 604– Bull born on or before 1/1/2018
1^st – Will Short – Blelack Marmaduke – s. Oak church Igor
2^nd – J McGrath – Sportsman Monarch – s. Barnsford Ferny

Blelack Marmaduke

Class 605 – Bull born on or after 1/1/2018 and on or before 31/3/2018
1^st – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Oskar – s. Wesley Equinox
2^nd – Will Short – Woodpark Oak – s. Deeside Gulliver
3^rd – Leanne Titterington – Cherryvalley Olympus – s. Chic

Brigadoon Oskar

Class – 606 – Bull born on or after 1/4/2018
1^st – David Bothwell – Killadeas Orlando – s. Battleford Laser
2^nd – David Bothwell – Killadeas Olaf – s. Battleford Laser
3^rd – T O’Neill – Glenramble Orson – s. Dooley Lewis

Killadeas Orlando

Class 607 Group of Three Animals
1^st WD & JA Connolly
2^nd Edgar Johnston
3^rd Gail Matchett

Group of Three

Supreme & Female Champion
Patrick Gallagher – Elgin Nancy – s. Woodpark Elgin
Reserve Supreme & Reserve Female Champion
Susan Smyth – Bessiebell Nana – Derryharney Jumbo

Supreme & Female Champion & Reserve

Senior Female Champion
Gail Matchett – Tawny Jasmine – s. Doonally New

Senior Female Champion Tawny Jasmine

Junior Female Champion
W D & J A Connolly – Brigadoon Olivia – s. Goldies Icon
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Jeremy Paynter – Drumilly Overjoyed – s. Invictus

Brigadoon Olivia

Overall Male Champion & Junior Male Champion
David Bothwell – Killadeas Orlando – s. Battleford Laser
Reserve Male Champion
Will Short – Blelack Marmaduke – s. Oakchurch Igor
Reserve Junior Male Champion
David Bothwell – Killadeas Olaf – s. Battleford Laser

Junior Male & Reserve Junior Male Champions

Linden Foods Beef Groups Reserve Champions
Susan Smyth – Bessiebell Nana, David Bothwell – Killadeas Olaf & WD & J A Connolly – Brigadoon Olivia

Linden Foods Interbreed Reserve Champions

Fane Valley Interbreed Beef Performance Bull Champion
David Bothwell – Killadeas Orlando – s. Battleford Laser

Killadeas Orlando

Ulster Bank Interbreed Exhibitor Bred Pairs
Reserve Champions WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Nevada & Brigadoon Nigella

Linden Foods Interbreed Show Team Award Champions
WD & J A Connolly – Brigadoon Charolais

Linden Foods Interbreed Show Team Award Champions

A small but high-quality offering of pedigree Charolais were on offer at the Northern Ireland Charolais club sale on Friday 31 May at Swatragh Mart, where the 10 bulls sold to a high of 5,400gns, averaged £3,286, up £575 on the year, and cleared to 79%.

Top Price, Reserve Supreme & Reserve Male Champion Killadeas Neil – 5,400gns

Topping the lots at 5,400gns was the reserve supreme and male champion Killadeas Neil, who was bred and exhibited by Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballina Mallard, Co Fermanagh, who two weeks ago claimed both the male junior champion and reserve titles at the Balmoral show with their homebred bulls Killadeas Orlando and Olaf. The 20 month-old Neil is sired by Gwenog Braveheart who was purchased by the herd in 2014 and his dam Killadeas Francis goes back to Southern Irish-bred Dunlon Ulick. He was purchased by Raymond Pedlow, Lurgan, Co Armagh.

Next in the trade stakes at 4,200gns was a blue ticket winner from Phillip McCrory, Garvaghey, Co Tyrone. A November 2017-born son of Derryolam Impeccable, Tandaragee Northstar was snapped up by James McLeister, Portglenone, Co Antrim, and is bred out of the Pirate-sired Tandaragee Ellie.

Supreme & Male Champion Ardmachree Noah – 4,000gns

Not far behind at 4,000gns was the 18 month-old Ardmachree Noah who caught the eye of Andrew Millar, Antrim, Co Antrim, when he was tapped out as the supreme and male champion at the pre-sale show for breeders and exhibitors Aaron and Erin Quigley, Macken, Co Fermanagh. Noah is sired by the proven easy calving AI sire Blelack Digger and his dam is Mullinveigh Gaga, is a daughter of the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Mowbraypark Orlando.

Carnview Oregon, an April 2018-born bull from James McGuigan, Maghera, Co Derry, who placed second in his class earlier in the evening, was next top priced. His dam, the 14,200gns Balbithan Georgia who was purchased by the herd at the Balbithan dispersal sale in October 2017, is a daughter of the 10,000gns Stirling senior champion Chunal Dougie, while he is sired by the Royal Bath and West show class winner Mortimers Hurricane. He was knocked down sold to John Campbell, Maghera, Co Derry, for 3,600gns.

Following on at 2,600gns was the 13,000gns Goldies Iceman son Toberlane Nigel, whose dam Toberlane Georgia goes back to the 55,000gns Balmoral show interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo. This 19 month-old lad was purchased by S Brady, Stewartstown, Co Tyrone and consigned by William Causey, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, who went on the sell the next highest priced lot. 2,500gns was the price paid for his July 2017-born, yellow ticket winner Toberlane Newton, by purchaser Peter Quinn, Pomeroy, Co Tyrone. Newton is sired by the 14,000gns Goldies Joss and bred out of the Dungannon supreme champion Kiltybane Best-sired Toberlane Holly.

Securing 2,500gns for breeder and exhibitors Brian McAllister and Son, Kells, Co Antrim, was the 14 month-old Burnside Olaf, who is a son of Mowbraypark Paramount and Burnside Limp, a 16,000gns Stirling junior champion Clyth Diplomat daughter. His purchaser was the aforementioned Raymond Pedlow of Lurgan, Co Armagh.

The only heifer on offer was knocked down at 1,400gns and taken home by S Brady, Stewartstown, Co Tyrone. Royaldowns Orleans, an 11 month-old daughter of Rowandale Dancer and the 9,000gns Balmoral supreme champion Goldies Carnival-sired Royaldowns Icecream was offered for sale by Mervyn McKeown, Crossgar, Co Down.

Once again, the mart kindly offered to host Northern Ireland regional qualifier for the Charolais Youth national stock judging competition. There was a great turnout of youngsters taking part with the hope of securing a place on the Northern Ireland team at the finals which this year will be held at Clogher show on the 31^st July.

There were three classes of cattle to be judged, two classes of heifers which were kindly supplied by Robert McWilliams and William Whyte, while Will Short brought a class of young bulls and has also very generously supplied a heifer as prize for this year’s NI club raffle, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Northern Ireland Childrens Hospice and the Air Ambulance of Northern Ireland. Tickets for which are still available to purchase from the Northern Ireland Charolais club.

Previous Charolais National Youth Final winner Kevin Reavey was the master judge. Kevin, who was incorporated onto the prestigious Charolais judges’ panel after impressing his mentor David Barker of the Caylers herd from Hertfordshire, when he shadowed at last year’s Clogher show has since gone on to judge at Dungannon sale earlier this month.

Senior Winner Alan Burleigh with master judge Kevin Reavey and senior runnerup James Causey

Heading up the senior section with a score of 130 points was Alan Burleigh of Crummy, Co Fermanagh, who secured the top spot because of his excellent reason giving, while the section’s runner up who also scored 130 points was James Causey, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

Intermediate Winner Erin Quigley with master judge Kevin Reavey and intermediate runnerup Mark Reid

The intermediate winner Erin Quigley of Macken, Co Fermanagh, was also the evenings top scorer and achieved an impressive 146 points, just behind with a score of 142 was Mark Reid, Dungannon, Co Fermanagh.

Junior Winner Clarke Balfour with master judge Kevin Reavey and junior runnerup James Morrison

A score of 134 saw Clarke Balfour, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh, top the junior section, while runner up James Morrison, Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, was just behind on 130 points.

Northern Ireland Stockjudging Team

Joining the winners at the final will be next highest placed competitors Amy Wilson, Sam Matchett, Matthew Mitchell and Eimear McGovern.

Averages: 10 bulls £3,286.50, one heifer £1470.00
Auctioneers Swatragh Livestock Market
Joint Sponsors: Friels bar and restaurant, Specialist Joinery Group and Creagh Concrete
Judge: Gerard McShane, Articarvin, Co Tyrone

Wales & Midlands

This year’s regional qualifiers began with the Welsh & Midlands qualifier, which was once again held at Welshpool livestock market with the help of Welshpool livestock sales, on the night proceeding the April Charolais sale.

The market, which was redeveloped and opened on its new and existing site in 2009, is capable of holding in excess of 1200 cattle and 15,000 sheep, and holds weekly sales of prime sheep and cattle as well as fortnightly sales of dairy and store cattle, selling in excess of 500,000 sheep and 10,000 cattle annually. In addition to the livestock market, WSL also offer other specialist services, including land valuations and surveys, farm and livestock sales and a range of grant and government subsidy services.

Welsh regional youth co-ordinator Eva Corbett, along with Rhian & Amy Varga from the Midlands club, arranged the get together which included an informative presentation by Oli J.E Hodgkinson BVSc Cert SH&P MRCVS of Trefaldwyn Veterinary Clinic, Montgomery, on herd health, and a quiz as well as the stock judging classes.

Once the stock judging of the two classes was complete, the master judge David Barker of Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire, explained his reasoning before presenting the prizes to the winners. The junior (8-14 years) section was headed up by Gruffydd Llwyd Dafydd, Ceredigion, with 84 points and Serah Morgan-Page, Powys placed second with 60. Emma Page, Powys, won the intermediate (15-28 year) section with 92 points, and Gwion Hughes, Ceredigion, stood runner-up with 84 points. The Seniors (19-26 years) winner was Guto Owen, Gwynedd with a maximum of 100 points and Aimee Varga, Cheshire was just behind on 98. The open competition was a tie on 100 points between Robert Currell & Cecil Currell.

The Society, the Welsh and Midland regions would like to express their gratitude to the WLS team for hosting the event, Vet Oli Hodgkinson for his brilliant presentation, master judge David Barker and Cogent for providing goodies for the competitors. Special thanks must go to the sale exhibitors who provided the cattle for the stock judging classes, without whom the qualifier would not have been possible.

Senior Winner Guto Owen with Society Chairman Chris Curry & Master Judge David Barker

Senior Runner Up Aimee Varga with Society Chairman Chris Curry & Master Judge David Barker

Intermediate Winner Emma Page with Society Chairman Chris Curry & Master Judge David Barker

Intermediate Runner Up Gwion Hughes with Society Chairman Chris Curry & Master Judge David Barker

Junior Winner Gruffydd Llwyd Dafydd with Society Chairman Chris Curry & Master Judge David Barker

Junior Runner Up Serah Morgan-Page with Society Chairman Chris Curry & Master Judge David Barker

Anglia & South East

Next up, and just a week later, was the Anglia and South East qualifier, which this year was kindly hosted by Jenny and John Rix and the Wissington Charolais herd in Nayland, Essex.

The Rix’s, who established their Charolais herd in 2005, currently register around 60 Charolais calves a year from their breeding females managed by Darren Knox, who also oversees their small commercial herd of South Devons. To establish the herd, selective drafts of females from the Darshams, Seawell, Barksore, Rumsden and Moyness herds were purchased, alongside bulls from Thrunton, Blelack and Goldies. Now being well established, the herd shows all over the country under Darren’s expertise, and has been awarded breed championship at the Royal Highland show, Royal Norfolk show, Hadley show, Suffolk show, South of England show and Welshpool.

The herd’s focus is on quality and longevity, and the cattle are halter trained being quiet, docile and easy to handle.  The herd is spring and autumn calving, winter-housed and fed on straw, silage and home-produced cereals, with only protein being bought in. Breedplan recording, membership of the Hi-Health Scheme and 48-month TB testing completes their customer assurance.

Alongside the cattle, the farms’ main focus is its arable enterprise, mainly producing onions for customers such as Tesco, Subway and MacDonald’s.

The day began at 10am and four seasons worth of weather was experienced throughout, with bright sunshine, rain, wind and even sleet. Nothing, though could spoil the visit as the welcome, hospitality and scenery more than made up for the weather, not to mention the cattle.

Darren had organised three lovely quiet classes of cattle to be judged, a couple of heifer classes and some young bulls. The master judge Richard McInnes made his choices before the competitors looked over the cattle then gave their reasons. After which, all were treated to a BBQ lunch and lovely homemade cakes from the Knox girls before the farm tour got underway. Here there was a chance to see new stock bull and Stirling champion Maerdy Northernboy, who had been purchased the previous week in Welshpool, doing his job.

After the tour the presentations were awarded, with William Heath, East Sussex, placing first in the junior section with 110 points and Charlie Knox, Essex, in reserve with 73. The intermediate winner was Annabelle Howell, Norfolk, scoring 126 while Ellie Knox, Essex, placed second with 119 and the senior winner was Donald Mcclean, Hampshire with a score of 114. The open competition was won jointly by John Rix and Charlie Mcclean who both scored 134 points.

The Anglia and South East clubs and the British Charolais Cattle Society would like to thank the Rix family for their excellent hospitability, Darren and Donna Knox who organised the cattle and the day, Karen Maclean the South East coordinator for organising competitors to come up for the day and Richard McInnes, the master judge.

Senior Winner Donald Mcclean with hosts John and Jenny Rix

Intermediate Winner Annabelle Howell with hosts John and Jenny Rix

Intermediate Runner up Ellie Know with hosts John and Jenny Rix

Junior Winner William Heath with hosts John and Jenny Rix

Junior Runner Up Charlie Knox with hosts John and Jenny Rix

Stockman Albert Woollard with head stockman Darren Knox

New Stockbull Maerdy Northernboy working hard

Scotland

This year’s Scottish qualifier was held at Stirling livestock mart on the Sunday evening preceeding the multibreed bull sales on May day. For the first time this was a joint event, with the blessing of United Auctions, with three breeds – Charolais, Limousin and Aberdeen Angus. All three societies along with the Scottish and Northern Charolais club pulled together to organise, promote and run the event which it has to be said was a great success. Hopefully this will be the start of great things to come with breed cooperation for youth events and the future of the beef industry, as all three breeds are keen to work together in the future.

The evening began with the judging of three bull classes, one from each breed. There was a great showing of young people involved competing for the trophies, as well as a healthy amount of open competitors – possibly lured into taking part with the promise of a bottle of whiskey as the first prize.

Each society had selected four cattle to take part for their class, and as usual the sale exhibitors were keen to take part and help out with the showing. After the stockjudging the societies had organised three demonstrations. First up Vet Gareth Boyes from Ark Veterinary Centre, Lockerbie, talked us through a bull inspection. Kay Adam of the Newhouse Charolais and Limousin herd demonstrated showmanship skills to the assembled youngsters, before Alex Brown from AHDB gave a presentation on carcase EBV’s. Each of the demonstrations was really informative, aimed at the youngsters there to compete, and each was really well received.

Finally, after the sandwiches and snacks were hungrily consumed, the master judge John Macgregor gave the presentations. Topping the scores for the youngsters and leading the junior section with a score of 138 was Celeste McKeague, Stirlingshire with Isla Goldie, Dumfries-shire just behind on 135 points. Jack Smith, Aberdeenshire, was the winner of the intermediate section with a score of 134 and the Senior section was lead by Lauren Stronach, Aberdeenshire, with 135 points, while Louise McArthur stood reserve with a score of 134.

Thanks must go to the cattle exhibitors who provided bulls for the stockjudging, Carly Mackay from the S&N club who did a fantastic job organising the event, John MacGregor the master judge, Vet Gareth Boyes, Kay Adams and Alex Brown for giving their presentations, United Auctions for letting us host the evening and helping with logistics. We would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets – together we raised £145 for the Scottish Air Ambulance.

Senior Winner Lauren Stronach & Runner up Louise McArthur with master judge John MacGregor

Junior Winner Celeste McKeague & Runner up Isla Goldie with master judge John MacGregor

Northern Ireland

The regional qualifiers continued with the Northern Ireland region and once again, Swatragh mart kindly offered to host. There was a great turnout of youngsters taking part with the hope of securing a place on the Northern Ireland team at the finals which this year will be held at Clogher show on the 31 July.

There were three classes of cattle to be judged, two classes of heifers which were kindly supplied by Robert McWilliams and William Whyte, while Will Short brought a class of young bulls and has also very generously supplied a heifer as prize for this year’s NI club raffle, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and the Air Ambulance of Northern Ireland. Tickets for which are still available to purchase from the Northern Ireland Charolais club.

Previous Charolais national youth final winner Kevin Reavey was the master judge. Kevin, who was incorporated onto the prestigious Charolais judges’ panel after impressing his mentor David Barker of the Caylers herd from Hertfordshire, when he shadowed at last year’s Clogher show, since went on to judge at Dungannon sale earlier this month.

Heading up the senior section with a score of 130 points was Alan Burleigh of Crummy, Co Fermanagh, who secured the top spot because of his excellent reason giving, while the section’s runner up who also scored 130 points was James Causey, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

The intermediate winner Erin Quigley of Macken, Co Fermanagh, was also the evenings top scorer and achieved an impressive 146 points.  Just behind with a score of 142 was Mark Reid, Dungannon, Co Fermanagh.

A score of 134 saw Clarke Balfour, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh, top the junior section, while runner up James Morrison, Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, was just behind on 130 points.

Joining the winners at the final will be next highest placed competitors Amy Wilson, Sam Matchett, Matthew Mitchell and Eimear McGovern.

Senior Winner Alan Burleigh with master judge Kevin Reavey and senior runnerup James Causey

Intermediate Winner Erin Quigley with master judge Kevin Reavey and intermediate runnerup Mark Reid

Junior Winner Clarke Balfour with master judge Kevin Reavey and junior runnerup James Morrison

Northern Ireland Stockjudging Team

Yorkshire & NE

The final qualifier of the year was held in the Yorkshire and North East region and was once again hosted by Billy and Sarah Turner at their Ripon based Brampton herd, on the first Sunday in June.

Brampton is one of the longest established Charolais herds in the country beginning back in 1972 and has gone from strength to strength with accolades including the Raymond Ogden Perpetual Trophy on its first outing in 1982, numerous Supreme Championships at the Perth bull sales and the Royal Show and most recently Brampton Legoman was crowned junior champion at the Great Yorkshire Show. The Turners have also exported Charolais cattle all worldwide including consignments to Brazil, South Africa and Eire. Their top price bull this year sold through the ring was sold at Welshpool in April – Brampton Omg for 5,000gns.

Stockman Antony and Michael had prepared a class of glamourous heifer and a class of handsome bulls and in a change from the norm a class of fat lambs to be judged, a surprise for master judge Robert Strictland! The competitors loved the challenge and rose to the occasion with some good high scores.  The weather looked dubious but managed to hold while the scoring took place and the master judge explained his reasoning and the sun even made an appearance during our afternoon back at Billy and Sarah’s house where we were treated to a wonderful spread and plenty of liquid refreshment.

The highest scorer of the day was the Senior winner Michael Dunbreck who had 144 points and runner up in the senior section was Tom Brown. Both lads have been regulars at Charolais Youth stockjuding competitions and represented the Society at last years Young Show Stars competition where they were rewarded for their efforts by a trip to Canada.

The Intermediate section was headed up by Charlie Hitchen with 141 points and runner up Michael Walsh scored 120. The junior winner was Eden Summer with 138 and just behind on 136 was Tom Hitchen.

We look forward to seeing all of the qualifying competitors at the National Final which this year will be held at Clogher Show, Ireland, on Wednesday 31st July.

Senior Winner Michael Dunbreck, Master Judge Robert Strickland & Senior Runnerup Tom Brown

Intermediate Winner Charlotte Hitchen, Master Judge Robert Strickland & Intermediate Runnerup Michael Walsh

Junior Runnerup Tom Hitchen, Master Judge Robert Strickland & Junior Winner Eden Summer

The Brampton Team – Anthony, Billy, Sarah and Michael

Pictures to follow

National Show Results
Great Yorkshire Show Monday 9 July 2019
Judge: Ben Harman, Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Class 72 – Female born on or between 01/05/2018 – 31/07/2018
1 – MV & ME Atkinson – Mowbraypark Olivia – s. Kilbreck Ecosse

Mowbraypark Olivia

Mowbraypark Olivia

Class 73 – Females born on or between 01/03/2018 – 30/04/2018
1 – Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Olive – s. Goldies Jasper
2 – Billy Turner – Brampton Oyster – s. Border Jamboree
3 – Mortimers Farms – Mortimers Onyourtoes – s. Farleycopse Laurence

Tweeddale Olive

Tweeddale Olive

Class 74 – Females born on or between 01/01/2018 – 28/02/2018
1 – R McNeill & J Rettie – Formakin Opal – s. Hercule
2 – Mortimers Farms – Mortimers Overjoy – s. Farleycopse Laurence
3 – F, J & EC Andrews – Holtstead Ophelia – s. Blelack Digger

Formakin Opal

Formakin Opal

Class 75 – Females born on or between 01/07/2017 – 31/12/2017
1 – George Russell – Lesliepark Nora – s. Lesliepark Lithgow
2 – RD Aitken – Lourie Novelty – s. Davally Illusion
3 – Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Nannymcphee – s. Goldies Jasper

Lesliepark Nora

Lesliepark Nora

Class 76 – Females born on or between 01/01/2017 – 30/06/2017
1 – Brailes Livestock – Bassett Nadia – s. Harestone Domino
2 – SM Corbett & Daughters – Teme Nude – s. Teme Lunar
3 – DH Knox – Balbithan Nancy – s. Davally Illusion

Bassett Nadia

Bassett Nadia

The champion Bassett Nadia from Brailes Livestock

Class 77 – Female born on or before 31/12/2016
1 – Rob Tremayne – Marne Mirage – s. Marne Gucci
2 – Harvey Wood – Woodline Holly – s. Blelack Digger
3 – George Russell – Lesliepark Maggie – s. Mandela Dillon

Marne Mirage

Marne Mirage

Class 78 – Bulls born on or between 01/05/2018 – 31/07/2018
1 – Billy Turner – Brampton Omar – s. Border Jamboree
2 – Mr CD Timm & Family – Hillviewfarm Outlaw – s. Blelack Digger

Brampton Omar

Class 79 – Bull born on or between 01/03/2018 – 30/04/2018
1 – Jonathan Watson – Tweeddale Outlook – s. Maerdy Jerusalem
2 – SM Corbett & Daughters – Teme Oreo – s. Shraden Osram
3 – DG & CL Noton – Ashby Oaks – s. Blelack Digger

Tweeddale Outlook

Tweeddale Outlook

Class 80 – Bull born on or between 01/01/2018 – 28/02/2018
1 – Jenny Rix – Wissington Olaf – s. Edenhurst Leader
2 – Brailes Livestock – Bassett Online – s. Harestone Domino

Wissington Olaf

Class 81 – Bull born in 2017
1 – Mr CD Timm & Family – Balthayock Nominee – s. Balthayock Impression
2 – Mr J Young – Auchenhill Notorious – s. Lesliepark Lithgow

Balthayock Nominee

Balthayock Nominee

Pair of Animals owned and bred by one exhibitor
1 – Mortimers Farms
2 – F, J & AC Andrews
3 – Billy Turner

The Pairs champions from Mortimers

Interbreed Junior Team Champions
Jenny Rix – Wissington Olaf – s. Edenhurst Leader
George Russell – Lesliepark Nora – s. Lesliepark Lithgow
RD Aitken – Lourie Novelty – s. Davally Illusion
R McNeill & J Rettie – Formakin Opal – s. Hercule

Interbreed junior team champions

Supreme & Female Champion
Brailes Livestock – Bassett Nadia – s. Harestone Domino
Reserve Supreme & Female Champion
SM Corbett & Daughters – Teme Nude – s. Teme Lunar

Overall champion Bassett Nadia and reserve Teme Nude

Male Champion & Junior Male Champion
Jenny Rix – Wissington Olaf – s. Edenhurst Leader
Reserve Male & Reserve Junior Male Champion
Billy Turner – Brampton Omar – s. Border Jamboree

Male champion Wissington Olaf and reserve male champion Brampton Omar

Female Junior Champion
George Russell – Lesliepark Nora – s. Lesliepark Lithgow
Reserve Junior Female Champion
R McNeill & J Rettie – Formakin Opal – s. Hercule

Junior female champion Lesliepark Nora and reserve Formakin Opal

Junior Champion
George Russell – Lesliepark Nora – s. Lesliepark Lithgow
Reserve Junior Champion
Jenny Rix – Wissington Olaf – s. Edenhurst Leader

Junior champion Lesliepark Nora and reserve Wissington Olaf

Report by Annabelle Howell

Let the reports do the talking…….. #crossintoprofit

Ayr
13/06/2019:
Top Price of the day on Thursday the 13th June was £1310 for a Charolais Bullock from Louise and Alice Allan, Arnsow or 233.2p for a pen of Charolais Bullocks off Mossend, Ayr. Furthermore, Heifers Peaked at £1300 for a Tremendous Charolais Heifer from Louise Allan or 227.9p for a Charolais Heifer off Creagraineach, Arran.

18/06/2019:
At the weekly primestock sale, (Tuesday 18th June) Prime Cattle sold to a Top Price of £1396 for a Charolais Heifer Consigned by Dykes Farm.

25/06/19:
Out of the 85 calves forward, Bull calves topped the trade, at £460 for a Charolais Cross from J Gilvear, Graystale. In the fat section, Heifers were topped by a Charolais releasing 229ppk from Messers Young, Girvan Mains. Top Price of £1200 was seen for a cast Charolais Cow off Messrs Young, and Cast bulls were traded at a top of £1360.

27/06/2019:
Bullocks Topped at £1100 for a Charolais off Helentongate. Top priced PPK heifer was also a Charolais at 216.7p from West Enoch.

02/07/19:
136 cast cows sold under the hammer on Tuesday 2nd July was topped by a Charolais cow, releasing £1380 Cow off Messrs Heath, Blair Farm, Barrhill or reaching 166.3p for the same Cow.

Bakewell Market – Bagshaws
08/07/19:
With 168 store cattle sold, and Charolais were once again found amongst the top prices. A ten-month Charolais from PE Yates commanded a great price of £895 in the steers. In the heifers, 23-month Charolais attracted £1025 whilst in the calves, Charolais x bulls made £355. The following sale on the 15th July commanded a 150ppk bid for a barren Charolais cow weighing 798kgs (grossing £1197) from M Gregory, and 138ppk for a 730kg cow from the same home. Charolais bull calves topped the calf section, selling to a solid £405.

Bentham Auction Mart
18/06/19:
BAM’s special sale of Farmers Stirks held on the 18th June proved demand for Charolais types to bring on and farm at the producer, with CH steers making £750, CH bulls making £710, and heifers making £635.

Borderway
03/06/19:
At the weekly primestock sale, held on Monday 3rd June, saw cast cows topped by Mr David Holliday, Rashfield sold an outstanding Charolais cow for 954kg at 167.5p which came to a total of £1597.

12/06/19:
The store sale which accumulated just short of 1000 cattle on Wednesday the 12th of June was topped at £1285 for a marvellous pen of 3 Charolais x bullocks which were brought forward by L E Grice & Son, Newtown Farm, Carlisle.

19/06/19:
The Weekly store sale of 585 cattle saw Steers topped at a high of £1215 for a Charolais cross from Messrs Kyle, Spoutbank, Brampton and £1200 from Messrs Brough, Clappers, Wigton.

Dingwall Auction Marts
11/06/19:
Charolais Heifers accumulated top prices at Dingwall and Highland Marts weekly prime stock sales, reaching 216ppk for a 505kg handy weight Charolais cross from Easter Sheeppark.

25/06/19:
Charolais cross heifers reached 605kgs and grossed up to £1264.45 from Bridgend Farm, releasing 209ppk.

02/07/19:
The following sale also saw prime Charolais cross heifers grossing £1242.30, and reaching 205ppk.

Exeter Livestock Market – Kivells
03/06/19:
There was a good entry for time of year with 118 prime and barren cattle present. Barren cows sold to a high of 141ppk for a Charolais for T & M Snell.

07/06/19:
There were 253 store cattle and stirks on the premises, with Charolais well sought after.  A well bred run of Charolais stores from J Cole & Son had 19 month steers sell well into the £1145 mark, and heifers reaching £980. 18-month Charolais types from T Mears sold to £1060   and yearlings from A Stanbury made £900.  7-month-old Charolais stirks reached £660, and Charolais x calves sold for up to £290, just chasing the BB’s tails.

12/06/19:
We saw super 3-week old Charolais cross heifer calves nearly push that £300 mark, with the top selling for £295, whilst the best Charolais cross bull calf flew ahead and bagged £400. Bull calves averaged a super £357 and heifer calves averaged a strong £276, showing the demand for Charolais crossed on dairy.  The store sale on the 14th saw 25-month Charolais reach £1140 for M Tooze and younger 14 month bullocks reach a £950 for J Cole, whilst his 14 month heifers made £775.

28/06/19:
Friday 28th June saw 25 month Charolais heifers top to a super £1135 from S & R Partridge whilst a bullock from the same home released £1060. Charolais x Dairy once again sold into the £300 mark.

05/07/19:
Best yearling Charolais steers sold on the 5th July sold for a respectable price of £880 whilst heifers from the same home (B Ellett) sold for £715. 20-month old heifers sold for £965.

12/07/19:
This week once again saw Charolais topping demand, with strong 25 month steers selling for £1280 from P & P Keast whilst their slighty younger lots pushed into the £1205 mark. Heifers were also headed by Charolais, with a strong 24m heifer from P & P Keast again selling for £1080. Just behind south devons, young Charolais steers sold for £670 apiece in the stirks.

Hexham Auction Marts
21/06/19:
Hexham Auction Mart held its weekly sale of 123 Store Cattle on Friday 21st June that included its monthly sale of native breeds. Charolais heifers in the 23-30 months of age region sold for £1060 from M/s AR White whilst younger (11-17months) Charolais Steers peaked at £870 and heifers releasing £900, both from Risehead.

28/06/19:
The last store sale of the month saw a powerful Charolais cross bred steer at 20 months from Willie Woodman, Great Chesters, selling for £1190.

12/07/19:
The Friday sale saw Charolais once again achieving premium prices in the store section. A square Charolais cross bullock (11-16 months) from Anthony White, Low Staples, Hexham made £1040. The same vendor then sold two others on the day at £1010 and £1005. Cattle at 17-22 months were topped at £920 from Ogle Dene, and Older heifers (23-30 months) from Farnamullan topped their age section at £900. Furthermore, Charolais cow and calf outfits reached £1430 from Amerside Law.

Huntly Auction Mart
27/06/19:
The Thursday sale saw 56 store and OTM cattle sold, with Charolais X in high demand. Charolais cross heifers sold to a top of £930 from Clerkseat and Charolais cross OTMS topped at £1300 from Badentoul.

Monmouthshire Livestock Market
05/06/19:
There was an entry of 44 stirks forward, of which RT Watkins topped the heifers at £740 with 9 month Charolais with others at £690, £675 & £670.  R Bassett & O Scrivens sold to £655 and SE Bassett to £650 (Blue & Char X, 12m). There was a show of 214 store cattle forward, trade held up well due to the lesser number compared to recent weeks.  The well fleshed forward cattle continue to meet strong demand, cattle which are small for their age hard to place, but all found new homes.  Feeding steers to £1275 (645kg-23m) for Charolais crosses from TG, D & JL James. RA Bennetts sold Charolais crosses to £1265 (640kg-24m) followed by £1255 (770kg-30m) from the same home. In the feeding heifers, Charolais crosses reached £1080 (540kg, 24 months) from RA Bennetts, Penhow.

12/06/19
In the store bull section, this week saw a larger than usual entry of 20 bulls but lacking overall quality forward today to a top of £890 for a CharolaisX (15m) from JA Wyatt. EH & RL Leyshon sold Charolais X steers (11m) to £835.

19/06/19:
A Dispersal consignment from WHR Thomas, Sennybridge held incorporated into the weekly sale on 19th June sold to £1240 for an 87-month Hereford cow & her Charolais bull calf (5m) with another from the same home (AA cow & Char calf) at £1220. Another grand entry of 96 young stores with the quality sorts still selling to a strong trade.  Top selling in the steers of £925 for 10-month Charolais steers (440kgs) from WJ & EA Lewis, Neath, who sold others at £890, £885 & £800. The heifer section was dominated by entries from WJ & EA Lewis Neath selling to £820 (Char, 9m, 375kgs) with others at £800 (19m, 385kgs).  AJ & KL Bowen sold Charolais X heifers to £765 & £755. Steers topped at £1175 for a 23-month Charolais (570kg) from TG, D & JL James, Swansea, with another 26 months from the same home at £1140. Best of the younger farming steers came from DJ Williams, Newport selling 15-month Charolais at £1075. A nice entry of some very well reared calves sold extremely well and 6-month Charolais heifers achieved £430. In the store bull section, there was a larger than usual entry of 20 bulls to a top of £890 for a CharolaisX (15m) from JA Wyatt. In the younger steers, EH & RL Leyshon sold Charolais X steers (11m) to £835.

26/06/19
With an entry of 121 store cattle forward, Wednesday 26th June saw strong feeding steers releasing £1190 for Charolais crosses (675kg-25m) from E Powell & Son, Llanbedr.  A super run of Charolais crosses from JG Biggs & Son, topped at £1165 (660kg- 22 months), £1155 (618kg at 21 months), £1150 (620kg, 21 months) & £1130 (530kg 23 months). Yearling steers sold to a massive £1120 for young 13 month old  Charolais crosses scaling 570kgs  from E Powell & Son.

03/06/19:
There was a mixed bag of store bulls forward but Charolais crosses came out on top with a super £975 (24-25m) from J Berry. In the store cattle, again, grazing steers sold to £940 for strong 516kg bullocks at 16 months for Charolais crosses from WA Jones.

10/07/19:
Wednesday 10th July included the annual consignment from RJ Morgan in the stirks/young store section which sold to a flying trade with the best steers (Char X – 8/10m) topping the section at £915. Younger Charolais X heifers from the same home also a terrific trade topping at £810 at 6-9 months with others at £795 and £760.  With 90 store cattle forward, feeding steers reached £1130 for 630kg Charolais crosses from JA & JM Studley. WJ & CM Thomas sold Charolais crosses to £1080 scaling a solid 596kg at 25m. Younger grazing types sold to £975 for 18 month old Charolais crosses from JA & JM Studley.

17/07/19:
This week saw a useful entry of 55 head sold to a selective trade. In the stirks, steers topped at £840 for Charolais and Limousins steers from JN Coonick sold to £795 (9m), whilst similar steers (10m) sold to £790. Heifers sold to a top of £700 for strong Charolais crosses (weighing in at 355kg, and 10 months) from ES & JS Huntley. With a good show of 130 store cattle forward, there was several good consignments of grazing and feeding types present which were more eagerly bid for.  Feeding steers to £1190 (680kg-21m) for Charolais crosses from E Powell & Son. Feeding heifers sold to £1030 (527kg-25m) for Charolais crosses from TG, D & JL James, followed by £1030 (545kg-25m) from the same home.

Stirling
10/07/19:
Charolais remaining consistent at Stirling, when their weekly sale held on Wednesday 10th July saw 276 store cattle sold. Bullocks, were topped by Charolais X in both PPK and lump sums, reaching respectable highs of 229.5ppk from Drummoider and £1170 from Gillmill. OTM Charolais cows from Woodhill reached £1110 and OTM Charolais bulls from Woodhead of Aberdalgie reached 130ppk and £1310.

Orkney Mart
04/06/19:
With the falling beef prices not dampening the Charolais sparkle, Tuesday 4th June saw prime Charolais heifers scaling 570kgs reached 224ppk from W S Garson & Son. In the store section, top price was £1230 for a Charolais weighing 640kgs from Northbank Holdings. Bullocks sold to a high of 242.5ppk for two 402kg Charolais, with leading bullock prices dominated by the Charolais These were weighing between 380-565kgs and achieving prices from £910 to £1200.  Store heifers sold to 236.2ppk for a group of 4 Charolais weighing 381kgs from Quoys, totalling £900. Other noted prices, also dominated by the Charolais, included heifers from Quoys who had heifers weighing 403kgs achieving £920 (228.3ppk), 402kgs releasing £915 (227.6ppk) and heifers from Newark, Sanday reached 211ppk and £920 for stronger heifers weighing 435kgs.

18/06/19:
With only small sales in the following Mondays saw Charolais consistently in the top prices, with the 18th June seeing Charolais weights as high as 725kgs hitting 220ppk, releasing a staggering £1595, £1408 the following week for a Charolais from Staye which weighed 640kgs and made 220ppk. The 2nd of July saw Charolais once again grossing a massive £1591 from Cauldhame which sold at 215ppk and weighed a very solid 740kgs. Prime heifers sold to 212ppk for a Charolais weighing 690kgs from J & G Smith, Stromness which released £1462.80

Skipton – CCM Auctions
19/06/19:
Wednesday 19th June saw 368 cattle forward. 120 of those were young bulls, of which the continental cross average was £869. Charolais X young bulls had an average of £899 which storms past the average, and tops of £1020. Says it all!

17/07/19
Store bullocks on Wednesday 17th July showcased Charolais store bullocks to average £956, streaking ahead of the steer average of £940. The highest price was £1060 from G & R Bulmer, and Charolais x also achieved top price pen of 3 bullocks, releasing £1055. Charolais heifers topped at a healthy £1270. The reduction consignment from JW Barker saw his top prices in cows with Charolais x calves in particular hitting the higher prices, with 2014 born cows with Charolais bull calves at foot achieving a super £1620, and heifer calves with same age dam achieving £1560.

Results to follow

Overall Champion Bassett Nadia and reserve Teme Nude

Male champion Wissington Olaf and reserve Thrunton Nugget

Female champion Bassett Nadia and reserve Teme Nude

Junior male champion Wissington Olaf and reserve Bassett Online

Junior female champion Teme Olive and reserve Bassett Oakleaf

The Pairs from RO Williams & Son

Reserve Interbreed Group

Teme Octavia from SM Corbett & Daughters

Teme Olive from SM Corbett & daughters

Bassett Oakleaf from Brailes Livestock

Teme Nude from SM Corbett & daughters

Bassett Nadia from Brailes Livestock

Caerddaniel Nannette from R O Williams & Son

Goldies Madame fromS James & G Davies

Rogans Jojo from Josh Wainwright

Waldencourt Otago from Waldencourt Charolais

Wissington Olaf from Mrs J Rix

Bassett Online from Brailes Livestock

Thrunton Nugget from Kevin and Sioned Thomas

Summervilla Niki – Supreme & Senior Female Champion with Gail Matchett & Sponsor Richard Primrose BOI

Supreme Champion & Senior Female Champion
Summervilla Niki, bred by Matchett Family, Portadown, Co Armagh, Sire: Cavelands Fenian  , Dam: Kildallogue Heather

Killadeas Orlando – Reserve Supreme Champion & Junior Male Champion for S & D Bothwell

Reserve Supreme Champion & Junior Male Champion
Killadeas Orlando, bred by S & D Bothwell, Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh, Sire: Battleford Laser, Dam: Killadeas Faithful

Limkiln Nicole – Reserve Senior Champion for the Matchett Family with Sponsor Richard Primrose BOI

Reserve Senior Female Champion
Limkiln Nicole, bred by Matchett Family, Portadown, Co Armagh, Sire: Panama, Dam: Limekiln Frances

Drumilly Overjoyed – Junior female champion for Jeremy Paynter with Judge Allen Drysdale

Junior Female Champion
Drumilly Overjoyed bred by Jeremy Paynter, Co Armagh, Sire: Invictus, Dam: Drumilly favourite

Altnaderog Orla – Reserve Junior Female Champion for Gerard McShane with Sponsor Richard Primrose BOI

Reserve Junior Female Champion
Altnaderog Orla, bred by Gerard McShane, Strabane, Co Tyrone, Sire: Tonaghmore Augusto, Dam: Altnaderog Orla.

Sportsmans Monarch – Senior Male Champion with John McGrath & Sponsor Richard Primrose BOI

Senior Male Champion
Sportsman Monarch bred by John McGrath, Dromore, Co Tyrone, Sire: Bansford Ferny, Dam: Sportsman Honeydew.

Drumacritten Oliver – Reserve Junior Male Champion for George Nelson with Sponsor Richard Primrose BOI

Reserve Junior Male Champion
Drumacritten Oliver bred by George Nelson, Roslea, Co Fermanagh, Sire: Pirate, Dam: Drumacritten Linda.

Pairs Champions for the Matchett Family with Sponsor Richard Primrose BOI

Pairs Champion
Matchett Family

Reserve Pairs for WD & JA Connolly with Sponsor Richard Primrose BOI

Reserve Pairs Champion
WD & JA Connolly

Class 160 – Female born in 2019
1 – H.C Stubbs & AA Burleigh – Derryharney Polly – s. Derryharney Lionheart
2 – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Prudence – s. Newhouse Maximus
3 – Malachy Connolly – Palace Princess – s. Derryolam Impeccable

Class 161 – Female born on or between 1 September & 31 December 2018
1 – Gerard McShane – Altnaderog Orla – s. Tonaghmore Augusto
2 – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Odessa – s. Goldies Icon

Class 162 – Female born on or between 1 May & 31 August 2018
1 – Mr H C Stubbs & AA Burleigh – Derryharney Onherown – s. Balthyock Gladiator
2 – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Orient – s. Goldies Icon
3 – Liam & Margaret Ruddy – Kenaghan Orla – s. Whitecliffe James

Class 163 – Female born on or between 1 January & 30 April 2018
1 – Jeremy Paynter – Drumilly Overjoyed – s. Invictus
2 – J A Watson & Son – Cornascriebe Olga – s. Whitecliffe James
3 – Will Short – Woodpark Olivia – s. Deeside Gulliver

Class 164 – Female born on or between 1 July & 31 December 2017
1 – Matchett Family – Limkiln Nicole – s. Panama
2 – B McAllister & Son – Burnside Nigella -s. Blelack Blackberet

Class 165 – Female born on or between 1 January & 30 June 2017
1 – Matchett Family – Summervilla Niki – s. Cavelands Fenian
2 – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Nova – s. Goldies Icon
3 – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Nigella – s. Goldies Icon

Class 166 – Female born on or after 31 December 2016
1 – Matchett Family – Tawny Jasmine – s. Doonally New
2 – Jackie Conn & Owen Kerrigan – Newroddige Jody – s. Balmyle Bollinger
3 – Harry Heron – Hollywell Latin – s. Thrunton Fairfax

Class 167 – Bull born in 2019
1 – Malachy Connolly – Palace Prince – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
2 – William McCrory – Glencairn Patriarch – s. Lochend Apache

Class 168 – Bull born on or between 1 September & 31 December 2018
1 – K & A Veitch – Drumlone Orlando – s. Ashleigh Admiral

Class 169 – Bull born on or between 1 May & 30 August 2018
1 – S & D Bothwell – Killadeas Orlando – s. Battleford Laser
2 – George Nelson – Drumacritten Oliver – s. Pirate
3 – J.I & R Elliott – Drumlegagh Odin – s. Tweeddale Lookout

Class 170 – Bull born on or between 1 January & 30 April 2018
1 – Will Short – Woodpark Oak – s. Deeside Gulliver
2 – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Oskar – s. Wesley Equinox
3 – Thomas O’Neill – Glenramble Orson – s. Dooley Lewis

Class 172 – Bull born on or before 31 December 2016
1 – John McGrath – Sportsmans Monarch – s. Bansford Ferny

Class 173 – Pairs
1 – Matchett Family
2 – WD & JA Connolly
3 – WD & JA Connolly

Please click on the below for each presentation

Edward O’ Riordan – Grange Presentation

Joe Burke – Beef Sector Presentation

Mark Mc Gee – Grange Presentation

Genomics Conference – Clodagh Ryan

Genomics Conference – Donagh Berry

Genomics Conference – Ross Evans

From 2020 there will be two publications in the year, January Journal and the September newsletter.

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Adverts can be sent to us as a PDF, or if you would like help setting up and advert please speak to Fiona.

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Advertising in the Charolais publications 2020

Charolais claimed the highest average, top price and largest clearance rate of all the breeds selling at the Autumn round of the Stirling bull sales on Tuesday 22 October. A packed ring witnessed 69 bulls selling to average £5,609 and a clearance rate of 73% with the Charolais lots topping at 23,000gns.

Society CEO Peter Phythian said “Despite the difficult trade in the beef sector Charolais came out top with a tremendous high price and most importantly the largest clearance rate, which shows that farmers are looking to the breed which has proven to produce the fastest growing and most efficient cattle”.

Top Price Goldies Oasis – 23,000gns

Heading up the sale at 23,000gns was the 16 month-old class winner Goldies Oasis from Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire. Sired by the 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman, his dam Goldies Icequeen is a daughter of Goldies Formidable whose sons have sold to 26,000gns. He goes on to work in Insch, Aberdeenshire, with winning bidders R and N Barclay.

Reserve Supreme & Reserve Junior Champion Coolnaslee Oreo – 12,000gns

Next in the trade stakes and the first of two to be knocked down at 12,000gns was the reserve supreme and reserve junior champion Coolnaslee Oreo. Purchased by John and Raymond Irvine, Ballindalloch, Banffshire, and offered for sale by Jonathan Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry, the May 2018-born Oreo, is sired by the South East Charolais calf show bull calf champion Mortimers Hurricane. His dam Balbithan Gilly, a daughter of the 10,000gns Stirling senior champion Chunal Dougie, was purchased with her bull calf at foot at the Balbithan dispersal sale in 2017 for 14,200gns, while pregnant with Oreo.

Supreme & Junior Champion Balthayock Octavian – 12,000gns

Matching the 12,000gns price tag was the 17 month-old Balthayock Octavian, who had been tapped out as the supreme and junior champion on Monday by show judge Allen Drysdale. Octavian who was also awarded reserve male champion at the Alyth and Perth show earlier in the year, is by the Kirrimuir show champion Balthayock Ferdinand who has proved to be the herds most successful sire to date, with sons Balthayock Justice and Balthayock Minstral selling for 50,000gns and 46,000gns respectively. His dam is the Balthayock Valentie-sired Balthayock Emily and the successful bidders were John Wight and Sons, Biggar, Lanarkshire. He was the highest price lot from Major David And Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire, who sold a total of six bulls to average £6,965.

Their next highest priced at 6,800gns was Balthayock Optimist, a May 2018-born son of Balthayock Ferdinand and Balthayock India who goes back to the 11,000gns Balthayock Adonis and was bought by G and J Davie, Denny, Stirlingshire.

The Walters other two top lots both secured bids of 6,500gns, the first being the blue ticket winner Balthayock Northwind. First lot through the ring the 22 month-old Northwind who was purchased by MG and A Shearer, Thurso, Caithness-shire, is out of the Balthayock Aesop-sired Balthayock Hannah and by the Perth Show male and junior interbreed champion Balthayock Impression whose sons have sold to 15,000gns.

Also cashing in at 6,500gns was the Walter’s yellow ticket winner and June 2018-born Balthayock Oberon. The first son to be offered for sale from the 11,000gns Gretnahouse Lunar, he is out of Balthayock Jeanette, a Balthayock Ferdinand daughter and goes on to work in Orkney for purchasers Masquire Farms.

Intermediate Champion Balmyle Oscar – 9,500gns

JM Cant and Partners, Arbroath, Angus, were the next to snap up one of the sought after lots, this time offered for sale by Bill Bruce, Meigle, Perthshire. Balmyle Oscar who secured a bid of 9,500gns and was tapped out as the intermediate champion, is 17 month-old out of Balmyle Heather who goes back to the 9,500gns Maerdy Egret and is the first to be offered for sale by the 16,000gns Stirling class winner Ovill Lennon.

Balmyle Outlaw – 6,500gns

With another three bulls selling to new homes, the Balmyle herd enjoyed a good trade and sold the four to average £6,300. Mr Bruce’s other top lot was the blue ticket winner Balmyle Outlaw. Also sired by Ovill Lennon but this time out of the 22,000gns Balthayock Diplomat-sired Balmyle Larkspur, the May 2018-born Outlaw was knocked down sold for 6,500gns to JH Anderson, Fortrose, Ross-shire.

Gretnahouse Orangutan – 9,000gns

Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire, also sold four bulls to average £6,300 and his 9,000gns top lot was the March 2018-born Gretnahouse Orangutan. His sire is Westcarse Jimmy and he is out of Gretnahouse Faradise who goes back to the 25,000gns Perth senior champion Thrunton Camelot. He was awarded a blue ticket at the pre-sale show where he caught the eye of new owner Edward Scott, Glamis, Forfar.

Tophill Olly – 9,000gns

Another to sell for 9,000gns was the Cumberland show champion Tophill Olly, who was bred and exhibited by Andrew Stott, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire. Sired by the 17,000gns Cumberland show champion of champions Sandelford Harrison, his dam the 17,800gns Edenhurst Georgette who was the top priced female at the Edenhurst dispersal sale and in turn is sired by the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister. The 16 month-old Olly who was purchased by Ross Farms and Co, Gorebridge, Midlothian, was also awarded with a second placed spot at the pre-sale show.

Reserve Senior Champion Wissington Olaf – 8,000gns

The reserve senior champion was the next highest price lot at 8,000gns. Wissington Olaf, this year’s Highland show and National show male champion, also secured the breed championship and junior interbreed championship at the Royal Welsh in July. John Sutherland of Thurso, Caithness, was the successful bidder on this 21 month-old son of the 11,000gns Stirling supreme champion Edenhurst Leader, who is out of the Gretnahouse Ferdinand-sired Wissington Imogen and was consigned by breeders Jenny and John Rix, Nayland, Essex.

Midshield Oslo – 8,000gns

John Wight’s Lanarkshire-born Midshield Oslo also secured a bid of 8,000gns when he was snapped up by Williams Partners, Blackmill, Mid Glamorgan. The April 2018-born Oslo is out of the Maerdy Domino daughter and Biggar show champion Midshield Gwen and sired by the 17,000gns Elrick Highlander.

Senior Champion Harestone Otterman – 7,500gns

7,500gns was the price paid for the senior champion Harestone Otterman from R and N Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire, who went on to purchase the days highest priced lot. A 19 month-old son of the 11,000gns Balthayock Adonis and Harestone Foxglove, a Hollymount Bigboy daughter, he was acquired by Easter Tulloch Ltd, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire.

Goldies Oliver – 7,200gns

Just behind at 7,200gns was another lot from the aforementioned Hamish Goldie whose seven bulls sold averaged £7,800gns. Selling to GT and S Coghill, Bursay, Orkney, Goldies Oliver is a June 2018-born son of Goldies Formidable and the Gretnahouse Heman daughter Goldies Joslyn.

Tweedale Owesome – 6,500gns

The most bids of the day went the way of the Northumberland breeders Jonathan Watson and Co, who sold a cracking string of eight bulls averaging £4265 backed up a top price of 6,500gns. AJ Provan, Douglas, Lanarkshire, was the purchaser of their top lot, a June 2018-born, Blelack Blackberet son. The blue ticket winning Tweeddale Owesome is out of Tweeddale Icemaiden, a Blelack Digger daughter.

Another breeder with multiple sales was Michael Massie, Auchnagatt, Aberdeenshire, who averaged £6055 for his three bulls. His highest priced at 6,500gns was Elrick Obama, who stood second in class at the previous day’s show. Sired by Maerdy Gouverneur and out of Elrick Louis, who goes back to the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless, this 18 month-old was bought by R McNee, Armadale, West Lothian.

Elrick Othello – 6,000gns

Elrick Othello from the same home was one of four who were knocked down at 6,000gns. Caylers Limerick is the sire here and his dam is Elrick Jodie, another Thrunton Fearless daughter. The April 2018-born Othello caught the eye of the above-mentioned Easter Tulloch Ltd.

Burradon Olympian – 6,200gns

Commanding a 6,200gns bid from S Shell and Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland, was the yellow ticket winner Burradon Olympian. Bred and exhibited by Chris Curry, Thropton, Northumberland, the March 2018-born Olympian is the first son offered for sale by Clenagh Lyle, who was purchased for £13,000 in Ireland after being unbeaten in his show career. His dam Burradon Fern goes back to the 12,000gns Royal Welsh reserve junior bull champion Gwenog Banjo.

A March 2018-born bull from the aforementioned Alasdair Houston was the next to secure a 6,000gns bid. Gretnahouse Oman, a 12,000gns Wesley Equinox son out of the 17,000gns Balthayock Gladiator-sired Gretnahouse Jaisy, was the pick of Laggan Farms, Kilmichael, Lochgilphead.

Two more bulls then came under the hammer for 6,000gns with the first being the January 2018-born Glenericht Oscar. His dam Glenericht Jen goes back to the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator while his sire is Carwood Lochness. Bred and exhibited by W K and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, he went home with JO and R Struthers, Cobbinshaw, West Calder.

Also hitting the 6,000gns price tag was Esmor Evans’ Maerdy Northpolebear from Mold, Flintshire. The breeding here includes the 13,000gns Stirling junior champion Simpsons Gregg on to the home-bred Maerdy Example who goes back to Maerdy Alcazar. The successful bidders taking home this 22 month-old lad were GM Barclay and Sons, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire.

The only female sold in main the sale was the 23 month-old Thrunton Nefertiti who made 2,800gns when she was purchased by H and H Heron, Newtonwards, Co Down. Bred from top breeding female, Thrunton Flamenco, a the 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal daughter, she is sired by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem.

An added feature of the sale was the dispersal of the Lesliepark herd of George Russell, Denny, Stirlingshire. Topping his cow and calf outfits at 4,000gns was the five year-old Ballathie Iwasstuck and her nine month-old daughter Lesliepark Peggy who is sired by Thrunton Lachlan. The pair weres purchased by A and JJ Forrest, Biggar, Lanarkshire and Iwasstuck is sired by Balthayock Empire and her dam Moyness Bianca goes back to Fairway Vandieman.

In addition, Rachel Archer who kindly donated nine grade one embryos to sell, the proceeds of which were to be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. They were sold in two lots, the first five were sired by Doonally Souverain and Coningsby Snowflake was the dam, they made 180gns each. The second batch of four embryos had the same dam, were sired by Balmyle Bollinger and sold for 250gns a piece. In total the sales raised a £1,900 for this worthy charity.

Averages: Averages: 69 bulls £5,609.13; 1 heifer £2,520; Lesliepark Dispersal: Nine cow and calves £2846.67; Two in-calf heifers £1,733.00; Two bulls £1,522.50

Top Price Reserve Senior Champion Brownhill Owenroe – 5,800gns

There was a good trade for Charolais at the Northern Ireland club sale held at Dungannon Mart on Friday 1 November, where bidding peaked at 5,800gns and 29 lots sold to an average of £3,277 with a 74% clearance rate, up 7% on last year.

Topping the lots at 5,800gns was the day’s reserve senior champion from Devine Brothers, Artigarvan, Co Tyrone. Brownhill Owenroe, a 16 month-old who was purchased by Frank Reid, Ballinahinch, Co Down, boasts an impressive pedigree being sired by Rumsden Fawkes who counts among his show successes the Balmoral Show supreme championship, the Highland Show male,  reserve supreme, and junior interbreed championships as well as the Royal Welsh junior interbreed championship. While his dam Brownhill Indigo goes back to the Highland show junior champion and 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Goldies Unbeatable.

Beechdale Obelix – 5,200gns

Following on at 5,200gns was Beechdale Obelix, a February 2018-born lad who caught the eye of Sean McGovern, Clogher, Co Tyrone. He is out of Beechdale Lavender, an Alwent Goldbar daughter, by the popular AI sire Davally Illusion and was awarded a yellow ticket at the pre-sale show for breeders and exhibitors Gregory Donnelly, Ardmore, Co Derry.

Minutes later Drumlegagh Oscar, a 17 month-old son of Blelack Digger and Deeleview Helen, who goes back to the French-bred Suzeringie, who stood second in his class at the pre-sale show was sold for 4,200gns. Purchased by J Marshall, Castlederg, Co Tyrone, he was bred and consigned by John, Ivan and Ryan Elliott, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone.

Supreme Champion Royaldowns Orlando – 4,100gns

Also in the money was Mervyn McKeown, Crossgar, Co Down, who secured 4,100gns for the June 2018-born Royaldowns Orlando, who had earlier claimed the junior male champion prize, the overall male champion prize and the supreme championship. Orlando who is sired by Rowandale Dancer and goes back to the Allanfauld Velocity-sired Royaldowns Debbie goes on to work in Castlerock, Co Derry for new owner Ivan Tanner.

Rossavalley Oak – 4,100gns

Matching the 4,100gns price tag and also securing a red ticket at the pre-sale show was Patrick Quigley’s 15 month-old bull Rossavalley Oak from Bellanleck, Co Fermanagh. Kevin McManus, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, was the man with his hand in the air as the hammer went down on this 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax son, whose dam Rossavalley Jane is sired by the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme and intermediate champion Burradon Talisman.

Four bulls then achieved 4,000gns apiece, with the first being Mountjoy Oregon, a February 2018-born lad by the Royal Welsh reserve junior champion Montgomery Ianto and his dam Mountjoy Jitterbug goes back to the Carlisle reserve senior champion Gaer Positive. He was shown and bred by Caldwell McAskie, Mountjoy, Co Tyrone and purchased by D McClurkin from Belfast.

Senior Champion Sandelford Odriscoll – 4,000gns

The days senior champion who was also awarded the reserve supreme champion and reserve overall male champion accolades, was the next in the trade stakes at 4,000gns. The 18 month-old Sandelford Odriscoll from George Henderson, Bushmills, Co Antrim, is out of Sandelford Hannah, a daughter of the 14,000gns Goldies Usher and sired by Blelack Immaculate and he was purchased by the pre-sale show judge Edward Hull of Southminster, Essex.

The judge didn’t stop there with his purchases, he also went on to secure a blue ticket winner from Will Short, Beragh, Co Tyrone, for 3,100gns. Woodpark Olympian, a May 2018-born by Deeside Gulliver is bred out of Woodpark Glenda who in turn is sired by the 19,000gns Doune and Dunblane show champion Corrie Alan.

A July 2018-born class winner from Sean McCaughey, Augher, Co Tyrone, was next to secure 4,000gns. Fymore Outstanding who heads out to Co Down to work at Ballynahinch for M Murphy, is out of the 18,000gns Perth intermediate champion Fury Action-sired Fymore Emerald and by Crossmolina Euro.

Also making 4,000gns this time to an undisclosed bidder was a 14 month-old son of the 16,000gns Stirling junior champion Clyth Diplomat. Bred and exhibited by James McBride, Strabane, Co Tyrone, Moorlough Ohio is out of the 55,000gns Perth intermediate champion Thrunton Voldemort daughter Moorlough Heighlight.

M Elliott, Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh, bought the next lot, going to 3,500gns for Mountjoy Orlando, a July 2018-born son of the aforementioned Montgomery Ianto. Bred out of Cotehouse Earliest, a 13,000gns Perth supreme and junior champion Killadeas Barney daughter, he was consigned by Caldwell McAskie, Omagh, Co Tyrone.

The yellow ticket winning Cappagh Oscar was just behind, securing 3,200gns for his breeders Mr Robert and Agnus Todd, Corbet, Co Down. A son of the 9,000gns Blelack Goldenboy and out of the 13,000gns Stirling reserve intermediate champion Conval Frank-sired Cappagh Ines, the 19 month-old Oscar was knocked down to Malcom Fleming, Magherafelt, Co Derry.

Gregory Donnelly’s Beechdale herd from Ardmore, Co Derry was behind the next top priced sale. Beechdale Ocean, a June 2018-born lad who was snapped up by Paul Hughes, Benburg, Co Tyrone, for 3,000gns, is sired by Davally Illusion and out of the Clyth Diplomat daughter Beechdale Lupin.

Females

Female Champion Gallion Nancy – 3,600gns

The female section was headed up by the female champion who was bred and exhibited by Edgar Johnston and Sons, Cookstown, Co Tyrone. Bid to 3,600gns by Frank Reid, who had already purchased the top priced bull lot, Gallion Nancy is a two year-old by the 25,000gns Stirling intermediate and reserve supreme champion Inverlochy Ferdie and out of Coolnaslee Hawthorne who goes back to the 9,500gns Clogher show senior male champion Corcreevy Dingle.

Reserve Female Champion Brogher Nancy – 3,300gns

Next in the trade stakes at 3,300gns was the reserve female champion Brogher Nancy, who sold served to the 10,000gns Stirling reserve junior champion Goldies Icon. Trevor Phair, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh, was the consigner and Nancy, a November 2017-born daughter of the 8,000gns Blelack Blackberet and the Pirate-sired Brogher Elly, was snapped up by Sydney Hadnett, Armagh, Co Armagh.

Up next and making 2,900gns when she was knocked down to Stephen McGuiness, of Hawthorn Heights, Greysteel, Co Derry, was the May 2018-born class winner Drumlone Olga from Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh. Sired by Crossmolina Euro, her dam Dunmore Gina goes back to Cottage Devon.

Finishing off the main sale females at 2,300gns was a yellow ticket winning entry from James McGuigan, Maghera, Co Derry, Carnview Olivia, whose sire is the 16,000gns Stirling class winner Anside Foreman is an October 2018 born daughter of the the 55,000gns Balmoral interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo-sired Carnview Grace. She was purchased by RW Ferguson, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone.

At the end of the sale there was a small draft of four heifers from Brian McAllister and Son, of Kells, Co Antrim, all of which found new homes to average £2,283.79. The highest priced of the bunch was the 22 month-old 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax daughter Burnside Nutella. Out of Burnside Eimp, who goes back to the 16,000gns Perth reserve junior champion Balmyle Vagabond, she was purchased for 3,000gns by John Watson, Portadown, Co Armagh.

The McAllister’s other top priced lot, who was purchased for 2,400gns by Patrick Kearney, Maghera, Co Derry, was Burnside Ova, an 18 month-old daughter of the 16,000gns Clyth Diplomat and Sandelford Deva, who goes back to the 14,000gns Goldies Usher.

Averages: 29 bulls £3,276.72, 13 heifers £2,095.96, four McAllister draft heifers £2,283.79
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart
Sponsor: Natural Nutrition
Judge: Edward Hull, Essex

Dooley Ocean – Top Price 6,100gns

Topping at 6,100gns with an average of £3615.94 for the 32 bulls sold, an increase of five from last year’s tally, the sale at Welshpool on Thursday 7 November also saw the clearance rate rise by an impressive 14%.

It was a great day for David Thornley, Hartshorne, Derbyshire, who not only secured the sales top price, but in addition his bulls produced the top herd average for the day at £5,180 for his three sold, his herd’s top average to date. David said “Welshpool is my main sale and I produce my bulls with the commercial man in mind, aiming for good calving figures with an emphasis on health and longevity. While at the market this week, three of my previous buyers made a point of coming to talk to me to tell me how pleased there with their Dooley bulls. I was delighted to hear this and this is the reason I keep coming back here to Welshpool.”

David’s sale topper at 6,100gns was the 16 month-old and yellow ticket winning Dooley Ocean, whose sire Davally Igolo was twice crowned champion at National shows. His dam is the 10,000gns Balmyle Dingle daughter Balnuith Inspire, and he goes on to work at Pentrefoelas, Gwynedd for new owners A and M Owen.

Dooley Orville – 5,200gns

Mr Thornley’s other top priced lot was Dooley Orville, also sired by Davally Igolo but this time out of Blelack Headgirl, another Balmyle Dingle daughter. The July 2018-born Orville was knocked down sold for 5,200gns to VB and H Davies, Llanafanfawr, Powys.

Montgomery Orly – 5,600gns

Earlier in the sale a 17 month-old son of the 8,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Gretnahouse Jugular, sold for the second highest price of the day to BA and O Jones, Criccieth, Gwynedd. Montgomery Orly, who is out of the Blelack Digger-sired Montgomery Havard realised a price of 5,600gns for his breeders and exhibitors Roberts and Jones, Llangadfan, Powys, whose Montgomery herd also did well, seeing five bulls going on to new homes for an average price of £4,452.

Montgomery Odessa – 5,200gns

Their next top selling lot which commanded a 5,200gns bid from ET Bound and Co, Llangurig, Powys, was the May 2018-born Montgomery Odessa, who stood second in his class at the morning’s show. Odessa is sired the same way as his aforementioned shed mate and his dam Montgomery Ffydd also goes back to Blelack Digger.

Montgomery Owain – 4,200gns

Another in the money for the Montgomery herd was Montgomery Owain. This time sired by the 9,000gns Balmyle Harlequin. This 18 month-old is out of another Blelack Digger daughter Montgomery Little and the man behind the money on this lot was E Edwards, Cerryigdrudion, Denbighshire.

Caylers Oreo – 4,800gns

Following on at 4,800gns was Caylers Oreo who was offered for sale the Barker family of Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire. TT Thomas and Son, Three Crosses, Swansea, was the purchaser of this 19 month-old son of the Irish-born Rosanna Jupiter and the Thrunton Dominator-sired Caylers Gytha.

Belan Orlando – 4,800gns

Next in the trade stakes was the March 2018-born Belan Orlando. Belan Jennie, a daughter of the 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax is the dam here while he is sired by the 7,000gns Tweeddale Marcus. He was bred and exhibited by J S Abel, Cwmbelan, Powys and the final bidders on this 4,800gns lot were D Jones and Son, Corwen, Denbighshire.

Castellmawr Outstanding – 4,200gns

Minutes earlier a class winner from Alwyn and Medwyn Williams went under the hammer at 4,200gns. Castellmawr Outstanding, a 20 month-old by the Irish-bred Goldstar Gentleman and out of Castellmawr Jade, who goes back to the French-bred Riri, was purchased by TH Williams and Son, Welshpool, Powys.

Trefaldwyn Oliver – 4,200gns

Matching the 4,200gns price tag was Trefaldwyn Oliver, and this blue ticket winner was snapped up by JT and A Davies, Oswestry, Shropshire. The youngest lot of the sale at just 13 months old, the Balthayock Darcy-sired Oliver was offered for sale by local breeder Arwel Owen, Garthbeibio, Powys. His dam is the homebred Trefaldwyn Joy who goes back to the popular AI sire Goldies Eddy.

Moelfre Orion – 4,000gns

Four bulls then came under the hammer for 4,000gns with the first being offered for sale by Kevin Thomas, Capel Iwan, Carmarthenshire. Moelfre Orion who is bred out of Moelfre Ianna, a daughter of the 16,000gns Royal Welsh reserve male champion Anside Foreman, is sired by the 12,500gns Balmyle Impression and G Davies, Tywyn, Gwynedd, was the purchaser of this 18 month-old lad.

Caylers Osprey – 4,000gns

The second to sell at a 4,000gns price tag was the May 2018-born Caylers Osprey, who stood third in his class at the pre-sale show. The 10,000gns Stirling reserve senior male champion Blelack Fabulous is his sire and his dam is Caylers Ella, a daughter of Maerdy Uniroyal. Purchased by J Brown, Minehead, Somerset, this bull was another entry consigned by the aforementioned Caylers Charolais.

The class winning Esgob Oswyn was the third bull knocked down to 4,000gns, when he caught the eye of Mr Evans, Bryncir, Gwynedd. Gareth Jones, Cwmtirmynach, Gwynedd, was the breeder of this 17 month-old, sired by the 12,000gns Caylers Hustler and out of the Blelack Digger daughter Esgob Jade.

Maerdy Orpheus – Champion 4,000gns

Another to bring 4,000gns when chapped down to Billy Turner, Skelton on Ure, North Yorkshire, was Esmor Evans champion Maerdy Orpheus from Mold, Flintshire. One of the younger lots, this 15 month-old who is sired by the aforementioned Blelack Fabulous is out of Maerdy Martha, a 26,000gns Maerdy Hearthrob daughter.

Females

Four heifers found new homes and the best seller of the day was the two year-old Mortimers Nononsense, who realised a top bid of 3,000gns. She has an impressive pedigree behind her, being sired by the South East Calf show bull calf champion Mortimers Hurricane and her dam Mortimers Genie, a National show champion, is in turn sired by the 16,000gns Perth senior champion Ravensworth Alder. She went home with J Rudkin, Thrussington, Leicestershire, who purchased her from Messrs Mortimers Farm, Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Graiggoch Natalie, an October 2017-born heifer from Gerwyn Jones, Nebo, Conwy, was next top priced at 2,300gns. Purchased by Sandbatch Charolais, Sandbatch, Cheshire, she was tapped out first in her class at the morning’s show and is sired by the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman, while her dam Edenhurst Rhapsody goes back to the 14,000gns Royal Ulster junior champion Killadeas Jack.

At the finish of the sale there was a dispersal of the Hackleton Charolais herd of Hackleton, Northamptonshire. The herd which was established over 25 years ago with purchases from the Lendor and Gurteen Charolais herds, has bred two National show champions and is sadly dispersing due to the development of the farm buildings and other commitments.

Their top lot was the cow and calf outfit Hackleton Hetty and Hackleton Petra which were knocked down at 2,600gns. The 2012-born Hackleton Hetty is by the Irish-bred Mulroog Alpine and her dam Redheughs Blanche is a Redheughs Sinatra daughter. She and her seven month-old heifer calf Hackleton Petra, by Hackleton Largerlout, were purchased by Andrew Stott, Canonbie, Dumfries-shire.

Averages: 32 bulls: £3615.94; two cow and calves: £1391.25; four heifers: £2270.70. Hackleton Dispersal: one bull: £840.00; 10 cow and calves: £1683.15; one dry cow: £945.00; one calf £693.00
Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales
Show Judge: Paul Stobart, Kirklington, Cumbria
Sponsor: Rae Avlley Tractors Ltd

Vexour Otto -5,500gns Top Price & Supreme Champion

A small but high-quality offering of Charolais bulls saw a high of 5,500gns and an average of £3,525 for the seven bulls sold at Borderway Mart on Friday 22 November.

Top of the lots at 5,500gns and star attraction of the day was the supreme and male champion from Jan Boomaars, Woldringham, Surrey. Vexour Otto an April 2018-born son of the 16,000gns Woodpark Longbow and Vexour Fairlady, who goes back to the Carlisle reserve intermediate champion Maerdy Tally, was purchased by G McClanachan and Sons, Torthorwald, Dumfriesshire.

Balmyle Ovation – 4,200gns

Next in the trade stakes at 4,200gns was Balmyle Ovation, who goes on to work in Blyth Bridge, Peeblesshire, for new owners T Walker and Son. He was awarded a blue ticket for breeder and exhibitor Bill Bruce, Meigle, Perthshire, at the mornings show and this 19 month-old lad is out of Balmyle Jade, a Royal Highland Show supreme champion Balmyle Eclipse daughter, and sired by the 16,000gns Ovill Lennon.

Vexour Owen – 3,000gns

The aforementioned Jan Boomaars was in the money again just moments later with his reserve male champion and April 2018-born Vexour Owen. Also sired by Woodpark Longbow, his dam Vexour Jitters is a daughter of the 13,000gns Stirling supreme champion Newhouse Emperor. He was knocked down sold to JD Quigley and Sons, Beattock, Dumfriesshire, for 3,000gns.

Ballkilley Ollie – 2,700gns

Two bulls then came under the hammer for 2,800gns a piece, with the first being Ballakilley Ollie. Ollie who stood second in his class in the pre-sale show, is no stranger to the show ring having previously been awarded the overall supreme champion at the Isle of Man Southern Agricultural show. By Alwent Goldbar, this 22 month-old is out of Ballakilley Fairlady, a Sang-D’or daughter, was offered for sale by Jonathan and Jennifer Quine, Bride, Isle on Mann and purchased by C and MA Douch, Pum Saint, Carmarthenshire.

The other making this money was the 19 month-old Whitecliffe Oscaro, who is the by the 31,000gns Carlisle reserve supreme champion Whitecliffe Highlight. His dam is Whitecliffe Hetty, a heifer by the 10,000gns Stirling supreme champion Chunal Dougie, and R Gill and Son, Sabden, Lancashire, were the final bidders, purchasing him from Mark and Jane Hayhurst, Kirbymisperton, North Yorkshire.

The Hayhurst’s other lot Whitecliffe Oliver who sold in a 2,500gns deal to WJ Irving and Co, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire, was also a Whitecliffe Highlight son and this February 2018-born lad is out of the Whitecliffe Tyrone-sired Whitecliffe Doris.

Another Yorkshire entry, this time selling for 2,700gns was Jean Atkinson’s red ticket winner Bassett Oliver from Thorpe Bassett. The breeding here includes Whitecliffe Lacroix on to the home-bred Bassett Hannah that goes back to the 10,000gns Harestone Domino, and this 20 month-old was the pick of G Hodge, Abington, Lanarkshire.

The draft from the Lawersbridge herd of David Smith and Sons, Mauchline, Ayrshire, saw the only females sold through the sale and their two top lots both made 2,300gns.

First up was the mother and son pair Lawersbridge Minx and Lawersbridge Pirate who were purchased by J Johnston, Sorn, Ayrshire. Minx is a three year-old first time calver by the homebred Lawersbridge Iceberg and out of Redheughs Eba, who in turn is sired by Balmyle Brinstone, her six month-old son Pirate is by Whitecliffe Muskateer.

Their next cow and calf outfit Lawersbridge Molly and her daughter Lawersbridge Penny, were knocked down at the same amount, this time selling to Frank King, Newry, Co Down. Molly is another three year-old daughter of Lawersbridge Iceberg who is bred out of the Smithston Elite-sired Lawersbridge Gypsy and her nine month-old heifer calf Penny is also sired by Iceberg.

Averages: seven bulls: £3525.00. Lawersbridge Draft: 13 cow and calves: £1869.81
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.
Judge: Michael Atkinson, Kirkby Malzeard, North Yorkshire

Averages: 117 bulls £6,633.85; four heifers £3,333.75
Auctioneers: United Auctions
Judge: Raymond Irvine
Shadow Judge: Louise McArthur

Charolais once again sold the highest number of bulls as well as producing the biggest average of all breeds sold at the Spring round of the Stirling bull sales. They also matched the top price of 25,000gns not once but twice, sold a total of 117 with 15 bulls to five figures and a strong commercial interest saw 74 sell for 5,000gns and above. The breed’s average of £6,633.85 was up £571.18 up on the year while the clearance rate was 79% at the sale on Tuesday 18 February.

Society CEO Peter Phythian was delighted with the day’s trade. He said “The great prices we have had today is a reflection of how well Charolais sired steers and heifers are selling in the store mart. We are just starting to see buyers looking at the myostatin status when purchasing bulls and are being more conscientious of how they select them. With profit in mind they are going for the breed which finishes first, improves turnover and cuts carbon”.

Supreme Champion Glenericht Oasis – Joint Top Priced 25,000gns

The star of the sale was W K and P Drysdale’s senior and supreme champion from Blairgowrie, Perthshire, who was the first to sell at 25,000gns. The May 2018-born Glenericht Oasis, whose full brother sold for 11,500gns in October 2017, is sired by the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator and out of Glenericht Gem, a daughter of the 16,000gns Stirling junior champion Clyth Diplomat. He was purchased by Danny Sawrij, Kedzlie Farm Ltd, Blainslie, Lauderdale.

Reserve Supreme Champion Elrick Outlaw – Joint Top Price 25,000gns

The other lot to secure 25,000gns was the reserve supreme and junior champion Elrick Outlaw, this time knocked down to Boden and Davies Ltd, Mellor, Cheshire. A 17 month-old son of the French-bred Maerdy Gouverneur, his dam Elrick Florida, who is also mother to the 8,500gns Stirling supreme champion Elrick Malt, goes back to the 11,000gns Maerdy Dublin. His breeder and consigner Michael Massie, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, accrued the day’s top herd average of £14,175.00 for his four bulls.

Elrick Oxygen – 15,000gns

Michael’s next highest priced at 15,000gns was the red ticket winner Elrick Oxygen, also sired by Gouverneur, his dam Elrick Isidore is another Maerdy Dublin daughter. The August 2018-born Oxygen caught the eye of the Maghera breeder Jonathan Crawford and travels home over the water to work in Co Derry.

Mr Massie’s other top priced lot Elrick Oxford was knocked down sold to W Ramsay and Sons, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, for 9,000gns. This 17 month-old lad who is bred out of the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless daughter Elrick Jessica, is another son of Maerdy Gouverneur.

Intermediate Champion Elgin Oliver – 15,000gns

The second bull to sell at a 15,000gns price tag was the pre-sale show’s intermediate champion from Roy and Matthew Milne, Lhanbryde, Morayshire, whose five bulls sold averaged £8,778.00. Elgin Oliver, a June 2018-born son of the 11,000gns Woodpark Elgin and the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator-sired Elgin Ianthe, was purchased by Jenny and John Rix, Nayland, Essex.

Maerdy Osgood – 13,000gns

13,000gns was the highest price paid for an impressive string of 12 bulls sold by the Flintshire Vet Esmor Evans which averaged £6562.50. The June 2018-born Maerdy Osgood, who caught the eye of joint purchasers Major David Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire and C Smeaton, Kirkbuddoo, Angus, when he was placed third in his class the previous day, is out of Maerdy Honney, a daughter of the French-born Froufrours, while his sire is the 10,000gns Stirling reserve senior male champion Blelack Fabulous.

Esmor’s other top lot was the blue ticket winner Maerdy Obrian. The first son sold by the 18,000gns Stirling reserve supreme champion Goldies Linford, his dam Maerdy Dendrite goes back to the French bred Maerdy Alcazar. 9,500gns was the final bid by W J Millar, Tealing, By Dundee, for this 18 month-old bull.

Burradon Olaf – 10,000gns

The auctioneers gavel came down 10 times in total at 10,000gns and the first to achieve it was the Northumberland bred Burradon Olaf from former Society chairman Chris Curry. Having placed second in his class at the pre-sale show, the 21 month-old Olaf is sired by the Irish bred Clenagh Lyle who has bred over 60 progeny into the herd since his purchase in 2016. Burradon Jemma is his dam and she goes back to the 10,000gns Puntabrava Federico, while grandam Emma is a full sister to the 26,000gns Burradon Garibaldi. J Morton and Son, Melrose, Roxburghshire, were his purchasers.

Swalesmoor Oscar – 10,000gns

Matching the 10,000gns price tag was an entry from the aforementioned Danny Sawrij. Swalesmoor Oscar, a May 2018-born son of the 30,000gns Oakchurch Igor, was purchased by John W Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire. His dam Swalesmoor Laura is in turn sired by the 22,000gns Yorkshire show male champion Balmyle Headline.

Woodpark Oaktree – 10,000gns

A and R Paton, Avonbridge, Falkirk, were the next to purchase a 10,000gns lot. The class winner Woodpark Oaktree is out of the Irish bred Deeside Gulliver daughter Woodpark Lavender and this June 2018-born bull is sired by the French born Doonally Souverain. He was bred and exhibited by Will Short, Beragh, Co Tyrone.

Glenernan Ohboy – 10,000gns

The next two 10,000gns lots both come from the vendors, William and Moira Milne, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. The first Glenernan Ohboy, who is a 20 month-old son of the 17,000gns Elgin Jagger and Glenernan Finesse, a daughter of Mistral Ben, was knocked down to John Jeffrey, Kelso, Roxburghshire.

Glenernan Original – 10,000gns

The Milne’s other 10,000gns offering was the yellow ticket winner Glenernan Original, a July 2018-born lad by the 17,000gns Elgin Jagger and out of Glenernan Ivory, who goes back to the Stars of the future junior male champion Dunesk General. J Gordon and Co, Alford, Aberdeenshire, were the winning bidders.

Reserve Intermediate Champion Balthayock Overdrive – 10,000gns

The reserve intermediate champion was the next to sell at 10,000gns. Sired by the Perth show junior champion Balthayock Impression, the 19 month-old Balthayock Overdrive, who was purchased by K and J Mallarkey, Ythan Bank, Aberdeenshire, is out of the Highland reserve female champion winner Balthayock Lisa, whose father is the 26,000gns Balbithan Vespasian, while grandam Gem bred the 46,000gns Minstrel. Breeders and exhibitors Major David and Nick Walter, Balthayock, Perthshire, matched the day’s top number of bulls sold at 12 – averaging £6,763.75.

Thrunton Orkney – 10,000gns

The July 2018-born Thrunton Orkney from J H C Campbell and Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland, who sold a total of four to average £7743.75, was the next to attain the 10,000gns price. Sired by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem, his mother Thrunton Lilac goes back to Thrunton Gladiator, and he was purchased by Jan Boomaars, Woldingham, Surrey.

Lagavaich Orlando – 10,000gns

Also hitting the 10,000gns price tag when he was snapped up by G T Wordie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, was A and A Wright’s class winning 19 month-old, Lagavaich Orlando from Ballindalloch, Banffshire. Elrick Jazzman is the sire here and his dam Hindstones Gypsy is by the Carlisle supreme champion Trefaldwyn Valiant.

Reserve Junior Champion Tweeddale Orbit – 10,000gns

Tweeddale Orbit, a 17 month-old bull who was tapped out reserve junior champion for breeders Jonathan Watson and Co, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland, was next to sell at 10,000gns. He is another to boast an impressive pedigree being sired by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem and his dam Tillside Ingrid, full sister to the 9,000gns Goldies Iceman goes back to the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister. He goes back to Northumberland to work for F T Walton, in Morpeth.

Harestone Offtheclock – 10,000gns

The next vendors in the money were R and N Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire, who sold a total of six bulls which averaged £8,802.50. Their 10,000gns class winner Harestone Offtheclock who was purchased by H Crawford, Ballymena, Co Antrim, is a September 2018-born son of the French born Highland show champion Harestone Jaquard and Harestone Iona, a 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless daughter.

Harestone Oberhausen – 9,500gns

The Barclays next highest priced was the yellow ticket winner Harestone Oberhausen. Out of Harestone Jutty, another Thrunton Fearless daughter and sired by the homebred Harestone Hercules, the 16 month-old Oberhausen commanded an 9,500gns bid from J M Nisbet, Sorn, Ayr.

Harestone Osasco – 9,000gns

Also from the same home was the September 2018-born Harestone Osasco, who was purchased for 9,000gns by Andrew Young, Girvan, Ayrshire. Another son of Harestone Jaquard, his dam is the Thrunton Fearless-sired Harestone Lovejoy.

Carwood Oswald – 9,000gns

Three more bulls then achieved 9,000gns apiece with the first coming from Colin and Fiona Wight, Biggar, Lanarkshire, who sold a total of three to average £6,650.00. Carwood Oswald who stood second in his class the previous day is a son of the 14,000gns Ugie Goldcup and out of the Royal Highland show reserve junior male champion Elgin Emperor daughter Carwood Iris. The man behind the money on this 20 month-old bull was J W Hogg, Gifford, East Lothian.

Tweedale Ontop – 9,000gns

The same buyer went on to purchase Tweeddale Ontop also spending 9,000gns to secure him from the aforementioned Jonathan Watson and Co, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland, who sold a total of six to average £5,915.00. The August 2018-born Ontop is out of Lakenheath Ellen, who has bred sons to 9,000gns and is sired by the Suffolk show champion Tattenhall Impeccable. His sire is Blelack Blackberet who has not only bred over 100 progeny into the Tweeddale herd but has also proved to be a popular choice for AI.

Balmyle Onward – 9,000gns

The final 9,000gns bid went to Bill Bruce, Meigle, Perthshire, for his 14 months-old bull Balmyle Onward. Sired by Ovil Lennon whose first crop of sons were sold at Stirling last October where they were awarded the best group of three and sold to a top of 9,500gns, Onward’s dam is the 22,000gns Balthayock Diplomat daughter Balmyle Harmony. G W Woolhouse and Sons Ltd, Ravensfield, Rotherham, were the purchasers.

Female Champion Allanfauld Ozzy – 5,500gns

Leading the bids for the females at 5,500gns was the female champion Allanfauld Ozzy from former Society President Archie MacGregor, Kilsyth, Glasgow. Sean Mitchell, Skelton, Cumbria, was the winning bidder of this July 2018-born heifer, by the homebred Allanfauld Lachie who has bred over 40 sons and daughters and out of Allanfauld Gaga, a daughter of the Royal Highland show reserve junior bull Elgin Davinci.

The above-mentioned J H C Campbell and Sons heifer entry Thrunton Oriental was another female top seller. David Dandie, Broxburn, West Lothian, were the purchasers who paid 3,200gns for the reserve female champion and July 2018-born Oriental whose dam is the Thrunton Gladiator-sired Thrunton Isabella and sire is the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem.

South East, South West & Anglia
Sunday 26 April 2020, 1pm.
At Beanhill Farm, Christian Malford, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 4BS.
By kind invitation of James & Belinda Kimber
More information

Northern Ireland
Saturday 13 June 2020, Time TBC.
At Armagh Show, Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, Armagh.
By kind invitation of Armagh Show
More information

Bonnykelly Officer – Supreme Champion & Top Price Charolais 6,800gns

Charolais trade was led by a strong commercial interest at the Aberdeen and Northern Marts multibreed Spring show on Wednesday 26 February, where Charolais averages climbed by £481.25 from last year to £4,943.75 for the 12 bulls sold and bidding peaked at 6,800gns.

The supreme and breed champion was the top selling Charolais of the day, at 6,800gns. Bonnykelly Officer, a 20 month-old bull by the 10,000gns Carlisle reserve intermediate champion Gretnahouse Ivory, exhibited by Robert Leggat, New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, was snapped up by PAK Junor, Dores, Inverness-shire. His dam Bonnykelly Fern is sired by the 9,000gns New Deer show champion Newhouse Challanger.

Moments later the hammer came down at 6,200gns when A Anderson, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, raised his hand for the yellow ticket winner Lettoch Oxford. Out of the 14,000gns Highland show reserve male champion Goldies Banker daughter Ugie Giselda, and sired by the 11,000gns Stirling senior champion Balthayock Imperial, this June 2018-born lad was bred and exhibited by Colin Stuart, Ballindalloch, Banffshire.

Just behind, at 6,000gns, was another from the same home. Also placing third in his class at the pre-sale show, the 20 month-old Lettoch Oscar, who is also by Imperial but this time bred out of the Killadeas Dwane-sired Lettoch Jemima, was the pick of AW McArthur, Balfron, Glasgow.

Robert Leggat, New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, was another vendor in the money when his blue ticket winner and 19 month-old Bonnykelly Oliver, was knocked down at 5,500gns to Messrs Macivo, Thurso, Caithness-shire. The sire here is the 10,000gns Carlisle reserve intermediate champion Gretnahouse Ivory, and his dam Bonnykelly Fiona goes back to the 9,000gns New Deer show champion Newhouse Challanger.

The next highest priced at 5,000gns also came from Robert Leggat. Bonnykelly Orlando, a May 2018-born bull out of Bonnykelly Erin, a daughter of the 10,000gns Maerdy Rumbull is another sired by Gretnahouse Ivory. He goes on to work in Banchory, Aberdeenshire for C Smith.

Following on at 4,800gns when he caught the eyes of J and E Finnie, Newseat of Balthangie, Cuminestown, was another entry from the aforementioned Colin Stuart, who sold a total of three to average £5,590. Balthayock Imperial is the sire of the June 2018-born Lettoch Occasion and he is out of the Killadeas Dwane daughter Lettoch Little.

Two bulls then came under the hammer for 4,000gns, with the first being Auchincrieve Oblivion, a bull by Blelack Jeffrey, whose dam Auchincrieve Gaga is sired by the French-born Sang-D’or. J Baxter, Gamrie, Banffshire, was the man with his hand in the air as the hammer came down on this 23 month-old entry from Charles McCombie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

The other to match the 4,000gns price was the April 2018-born Kinclune Observer who stood second in his class earlier in the day for breeders and exhibitors John Wilson and Sons, Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire. Observer is sired by the 12,000gns Stirling supreme champion Goldies Ivan and his dam Kinclune Inga goes back to the 20,000gns Perth supreme champion Thrunton Crownprince. He stays local going home to Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, with new owner AJ Blackhall.

The only Charolais female forward was the June 2018-born Lettoch Oasis from Colin Stuart. A daughter of the 11,000gns Stirling senior champion Balthayock Imperial and out of Blelack Fleur, a Swalesmoor Bayonet daughter who was purchased at the Blelack dispersal sale in 2016, Oasis sold to C Smith, Strichen, Aberdeenshire, for 1,850gns.

Averages: 12 bulls £4,943.75; one heifer £1,942.50
Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts