Averages: 33 bulls £3,465, 11 heifers £2,142.95, Royaldowns Draft: three cow and calves £2,205.00.
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart
Sponsor: Danske Bank
Judge: Martin Donaghy, Dungannon, Co Tyrone

The market was packed to the rafters for the Charolais sale at Dungannon on Friday 6 March, where bidding peaked at 6,200gns and 33 bulls sold to average £3,465.00 up £86.00 on last year. The sale saw 85% of the bulls forward finding new homes, an increase of 19% from 2019, most of which were purchased by the commercial market.

Ratoary Ourboy – 6,200gns Top Price & Reserve Supreme Champion

The day’s top seller at 6,200gns was the pre-show junior champion who also went on the receive the reserve supreme and reserve male championship accolades. Bred and exhibited by Sean McGovern, Clogher, Co Tyrone, Ratoary Ourboy is a 16 month-old by the Royal Welsh show reserve junior champion Montgomery Ianto, and his dam Clooncullane Chloe goes back to the French-bred Mozart. He was purchased by R Pedlow, Lurgan, Co Armagh.

Drumlegagh Odin – 4,400gns Supreme Champion

The supreme and senior male champion was next in the trade stakes at 4,900gns. Drumlegagh Odin, who is bred out of the Deeleview Classick-sired Deeleview Ingrid and is by Tweeddale Lookout, a double Q AI bull increasing in popularity having added over 100 sons and daughters into the national herd. John, Ivan & Ryan Elliot, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, were his consigners and the aforementioned R Pedlow, was the purchaser of this August 2018-born lad.

Woodpark Orion – 4,300gns

Will Short, Beragh, Co Tyrone, was the vendor behind the next top selling lot. Woodpark Orion, an 18 month-old who stood second in his class at the pre-sale show, was knocked down sold to Trevor Butler, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, in a 4,300gns deal. The sire here is Invictus, while Orion’s dam Woodpark Leanne goes back to the Southern Irish-born Deeside Gulliver who has bred well for the Woodpark herd, producing over 100 progeny to date.

Bridadoon Orbit – 4,200gns

Just behind at 4,200gns was a yellow ticket winner and the first lot through the ring. From David and John Connolly, Ballynahinch, Co Down, Brigadoon Orbit, an April 2018-born bull sired by the Royal Ulster supreme champion Brampton Petition, is out of Brigadoon Leona, herself no stranger to the show ring having picked up the reserve intermediate heifer champion title at the Minsups final in 2016. She in turn is sired by Royal Capitan. Colin Maxwell, Clough, Co Down, was the winning bidder.

Innisrush Osmond – 4,000gns

Three bulls were knocked down at 4,000gns and the first was Innisrush Osmond, a class winner from William Whyte, Portglenone, Co Antrim. T Aiken, Coleraine, Co Derry, was the man with his hand in the air as the hammer came down on the 18 month-old Osmond, whose sire is the Black Isle show champion Lochend Apache. His dam Edenhurst Ingrid, who was purchased at Peter Vasey’s dispersal sale in 2016 goes back to the 10,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Ratoary Ferguson.

The reserve junior male champion was the next 4,000gns selling lot. The 17 month-old Drumlone Orlando who caught the eye of winning bidder A Caldwell, Killen, Co Tyrone, is bred out of the Oldstone Egbert daughter Drumlone Edwina and sired by Ashleigh Admiral. Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, was the consigner.

Matching the 4,000gns price tag was Corrick Orion, who was placed second in class at the morning’s show and is a full brother to last year’s champion Corrick Napoleon. Cecil and Scott McIlwaine, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, were the exhibitors of this 14 month-old lot, who was purchased by M Gillespie, Killylea, Co Armagh. His sire the 25,000gns Inverlochy Ferdie was a Stirling intermediate champion while his dam Corrick Hazel goes back the 9,000gns Balmoral supreme champion Goldies Carnival.

Woodpark Ohio – 3,800gns

Four bulls then made 3,800gns a piece, the first seeing Will Short, who sold a total of four bulls to average £3,648.75, back in the money. His 3,800gns seller was the reserve senior male champion Woodpark Ohio, a May 2018-born son of the aforementioned Deeside Gulliver and the Welsh-born Maerdy Indoor, a Maerdy Dynamite daughter who was snapped up by D Donnelly, Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone.

The second to sell at 3,800gns was Tanhill Obi, a 21 month-old by Whitecliffe James and out of the Dungannon supreme champion Fymore Glory-sired Tanhill Lorna. He stood second in his class in the morning for breeder and exhibitor Andrew Armstrong, Dromore, Co Tyrone, and goes on to work in Armagh for new owner F Oliver.

Also hitting the 3,800gns price tag was Paddy and Valerie McDonald’s Glencoe Oak from Killeavy, Co Down. A blue ticket winner who has already proven to have worked at home, he is bred out of Glencoe Jewel, a daughter of the 16,000gns Stirling junior champion Clyth Diplomat and sired by the 13,000gns Stirling reserve junior champion Glencoe Galliant. Frank King, Newry, Co Down, was the winning bidder of this 17 month-old lad.

The next 3,800gns lot, the 15 month-old Royaldowns Oryan, was purchased by S Watterson, Cookstown, Co Tyrone and offered for sale by Mervyn McKeown, Crossgar, Co Down. The 10,000gns Stirling reserve junior champion Goldies Icon is the sire here and his dam Royaldowns Jenna is a daughter of the 25,000gns Stirling supreme champion Inverlochy Ferdie.

The other making this money was the November 2018-born Brogher Owen when he was knocked down sold to Stephen Heenan, Clough, Co Down. Also a son of Goldies Icon, but this time out of the Fintona class winner Brogher Gigi, who goes back to the 55,000gns Balmoral interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo, he was bred and exhibited by Trevor Phair, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh, who also went on to sell two more for a total average of £3,780.

Mr Phair’s next highest priced lot at 3,600gns was Brogher Original who had also earned him a yellow ticket earlier in the day. Another November 2018-born lad, this time sired by the 26,000gns Balbithan Vespasian and out of Brogher Jebella, a Blelack Digger daughter, was purchased by R and S Chesney, Kircubbin, Co Down.

Next up Tullygarley Outlook was knocked down at 3,500gns and taken home by David McFarland, Beragh, Co Tyrone. An entry from John Currie, Ballymena, Co Antrim, and by the popular AI sire Davally Illusion who has added almost 400 progeny to the National herd book, the 18 month-old and yellow ticket winner Outlook is out of the Blelack Digger-sired Tullygarley Iflo.

Drumacritten Oaklee – 3,200gns Female Champion

The highest price female of the sale was George Nelson’s female champion from Drumacritten, Co Fermanagh. Selling at 3,200gns to D McAlonan, Dunloy, Co Antrim, the 17 month-old Drumacritten Oaklee is another by the aforementioned Goldies Icon and her dam Drumacritten Duchess is by the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman.

At 3,000gns, the reserve female champion Derryharney Oowho was next in the trade stakes. An October 2018-born daughter of the 18,000gns Derryharney Outstanding and Derryharney Lizzy who goes back to the popular AI Sire Blelack Digger, she was offered for sale by Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh, Crummy, Co Fermanagh, and purchased by an undisclosed bidder.

Another entry from Kenneth Veitch was the other high-priced female lot. Drumlone Ola who stood third in her class at the pre-sale show caught the eye of Kevin Ferguson, Garrison, Co Fermanagh. The July 2018-born Ola is sired by the 18,000gns Perth intermediate champion Fury Action and out of Gallaway Heidi, a daughter of the French-bred Nippur.

Topping the lots in the draft sale from Mervin McKeown’s Royaldowns herd, was a first calving heifer along with her twin calves. The heifer Royaldowns Margo is a three year-old daughter of the 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax and Royaldowns Hope who goes back to the above-mentioned Sportsmans Columbo. Her male and female, three month-old twins, are sired by Royaldowns Hemingway Deras.

Lot 5
PENHARGARD OLIVER
UK382559101250 MBM0077229
DOB: 14/05/2018
DNA Verification: fully parentage verified
Myostatin: F94L-0 , Q204X-1
s. COCKERINGTON JETHRO (P) (UK141011400905) MBM0061408
d. PENHARGARD JASMINE (P) (UK382559300972) MBF0066893
Click here for pedigree & EBVs
Owner:
T J STACEY & SONS, LYDCOTT BARTON, WIDEGATES LOOE, CORNWALL, PL13 1QJ
Mobile: 07817 788237        Email: ajslydcott@hotmail.co.uk

With the ban on pedigree breeding sales in the livestock markets due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Harrison and Hetherington developed their online marketing to include timed auctions, so that the pedigree breeders had a legitimate outlet at which to sell their bulls.
The Charolais sale which was due to take place at Borderway mart in the 9 May was converted into the new online timed auction format, which started on Friday 8 and concluded on Tuesday 12 May. A total of 19 Charolais bulls found new homes to average £5,021 with bidding peaking at £10,000 and eight lots trading at £5000 and above.

Top Price Solwayfirth Oneal – £10,000

Topping the lots at £10,000 was the November 2018-born Solwayfirth Oneal, , who was purchased by John Wight and Sons, Biggar, Lanarkshire. This bull is the first to be sold by the 11,500gns Glenericht Majestic, who has so far produced over 40 progeny for the herd since his purchase in October 2017. His dam is Solwayfirth Ingrid, a daughter of the Perth supreme champion Blackford Samson.

Oneal has some impressive figures with a Terminal Index of +63 and Self Replacing Index of +60, placing him in the top 10% of the breed. He also has a copy of both the F94L and Q204X myostatin genes in his DNA. He was bred and exhibited by Ian and Dorothy Goldie, Annan, Dumfriesshire, who had a great day selling all four bulls they had entered to average £5,525.

“I’m delighted with our trade and really pleased that H&H have set up this new online system so quickly,” said Ian. “I feel that we would never have achieved a price of £10,000 in the current situation without this. These are the first four sons of Majestic we’ve sold, and hopefully there’ll be some more in the pipeline for February.”

Mornity Pedro – £9,000

The second highest price of £9,000 was paid for Mornity Pedro, an entry from Jack Nicoll Farms, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Sire verified as by the renowned 14,000gns Westcarse Houdini, and he’s out of the exceptional breeding of Guthrie Laura who goes back to Falleninch Hamzoraj. His TI of +66 places him in the top five percent of the breed. He’s also amongst the top one percent of the national herd for 200 day weight, and the top five percent for 400 and 600 day weight gain, and was purchased by Tom Story, Greenburn, Dumfriesshire.

Goldies Orchard – £7,400

At £7,400 the next highest priced lot was the October 2018-born Goldies Orchard who boasted the highest Terminal Index and Self Replacing Index in the sale catalogue at +86 and +76 respectively, placing him in the top one percent of the breed and he also has two copies of the F94L myostatin gene.

Another to be fully parentage verified, his dam is the 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman-sired Goldies Lottie and his sire is the 10,500gns Tweeddale Matador, a prolific show winner whose accolades include the National show junior championship. Orchard was purchased by Ouston Farms, Lobley Hill, Tyne and Wear, and he was bred and consigned by Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire.

Newhouse Olympus – £6,800

An entry from RM Adam and Son, Forfar, Angus, was the next top selling bull at £6,800 and he goes on to work in Caernarfon, Gwynedd for new owner Ifan Thomas. Newhouse Olympus, a 17 month-old with a myostatin status of F94L-1, Q204X-1, who has also been fully parentage verified, is out of the 26,000gns Maerdy Hearthrob daughter Newhouse Lass, and sired by the 28,000gns Perth supreme champion Brampton Nacodar.

Retties Oasis – £5,100

At £5,100 was the 21 month-old Retties Oasis from Richard and Carol Rettie, Methven, Perthshire. The popular AI bull Davally Illusion is the sire here and his dam is Retties Harmony, a daughter of the 10,000gns Stirling senior champion Chunal Dougie. He was purchased by JC Rennie and Son, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.

Gretnahouse Onside – £5,000

Three bulls achieved bids of £5,000 and the first was Gretnahouse Onside, an October 2018-born lad who is fully parentage verified. He has an impressive calving ease score (+11.6), which positions him in the top 10% of the national herd and he also has a copy of the Q204X myostatin gene. His sire is the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox and his dam Gretnahouse Maradise is a first calving daughter of the 17,000gns Balthayock Gladiator. He was offered for sale by Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfriesshire, and was purchased by R and J Stannard, Bethersden, Kent.

Glenericht Oger – £5,000

Matching the £5,000 price tag when he was snapped up by John Nelson, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, was Glenericht Oger an entry from WK and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, who places in the top five percent of the breed with a TI of +69 and in the top one percent for SRI with a score of +70.

He also places in the top 20% for calving ease, gestation length and 200-day weight, top five percent on 400 day weight and top 15% for 600 day weight gain. An October 2018-born bull who boasts two copies of the F94L gene, he is sire verified to the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator and his dam Glenericht Gigi goes back to the popular AI sire Blelack Digger who has added over 2,000 progeny into the national herd.

Chunal Primeminister – £5,000

Another who was bid to £5,000 was Mark McGahan’s 15 month-old Chunal Primeminister from Hadfield, Derbyshire, who was the second easiest calving bull in the catalogue at +14.5 and has a myostatin status of F94L-1. His dam is the 12,000gns Wesley Equinox-sired Chunal Mistletoe and he is sire verified as by the Yorkshire-bred Whitecliffe James. He’s off to work for Andrew Wilson in Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire.

Solwayfirth Ozzy – £4,800

Next in the trade stakes at £4,800 was Solwayfirth Ozzy, a November 2018-born bull from the aforementioned Ian and Dorothy Goldie, who has a myostatin status of F94L-1. Sire verified to Glenericht Majestic, his dam is Solwayfirth Hayley, a daughter of the homebred Solwayfirth Bandit. He was snapped up by Mark Jones-Davies and Co, Brecon, Powys.

Solwayfirth Oliver – £4,200

The Goldies success didn’t stop there, and their other top lot sold when a bid of £4,200 secured Solwayfirth Oliver for Scott Hiddleston, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire. The 17 month-old Oliver is again sire verified to Glenericht Majestic, is out of the Solwayfirth Bandit-sired Solwayfirth Heather, and has one copy of the F94L myostatin gene in his genetics.

Harestone Oasis – £5,300

Achieving a top bid of £4,300 was Harestone Oasis, an entry from R and N Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire. Born in November 2018 and a carrier of the Q204X gene, he is fully parentage verified and sired by the Highland show supreme champion Harestone Jaquard, while his dam is Knockmahon Jane, who goes back to Cloverfield Excellent. He was purchased by A and B Fisher, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire.

Top Priced Female Bassett Oakleaf – £5,600

The star of the female section was the 2019 Royal Welsh show reserve junior female champion Bassett Oakleaf, who was offered for sale by Brailes Livestock, Banbury, Oxfordshire. She is a January 2018-born heifer who was bred in North Yorkshire by Jean Atkinson and was sold AI’d to Westcarse Houdini to Kenneth Hall and Son, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, for £5,600. Her sire is the 10,000gs Harestone Domino and she is bred out of Bassett Ebony, a daughter of the 16,000gns Perth junior champion Balmyle Vagabond.

Bassett Olivia – £3,000

The other top priced female seller at £3,000 was Bassett Olivia, a March 2018-born heifer who is sire verified to Whitecliffe Lacroix and one of the first to be sold by this bull. She is bred out of the 10,000gns Harestone Domino daughter Bassett Hifi, was bred and consigned by Jean Atkinson, Thorpe Bassett, North Yorkshire, and purchased by Lee hopwood, Littleborough, Lancashire.

Averages: 19 bulls: £5,021.05, four heifers: £3,362.50
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.

Due to the lockdown and the restrictions in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, United Auctions’ Stirling bull sales in May were conducted via direct marketing rather than a live sale held at Stirling Agricultural Centre. The bulls were marketed via an online catalogue backed up by contact from the United Auctions sales team who liaised with prospective buyers.

Charolais bids peaked at 7,200gns and 17 bulls found new homes to average £5,406.47, the highest average of all the breeds represented.

Harestone Oblivion – 7,200gns

Leading the Charolais bids at 7,200gns was Harestone Oblivion from the Barclay family’s Harestone herd at Banchory, Aberdeenshire. This outstanding bull is by the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox, is out of Harestone Mo, a homebred daughter of the 25,000gns Stirling intermediate champion Inverlochy Ferdie, and has been fully parentage verified. The 18 month-old Oblivion, who has one copy of the F94L myostatin gene, features in the top 10% of the breed for 200 day weight gain and his TI of +53 and SRI of +51 rank him in the top 15% and top 20% respectively. He goes on to work in Tarland, Aboyne, for A Smith.

Allanfauld Oscar – 7,000gns

Next, sold for 7,000gns, was Allanfauld Oscar from Archie & John MacGregor, Kilsyth, Glasgow. A June 2018-born bull, he was purchased by C Addison and Co, Ellon, Aberdeenshire. He is sire verified as by the homebred Allanfauld Lachie and his dam is Allanfauld Ice, who goes back to the 11,000gns Woodpark Elgin. Oscar, who has a myostatin status of F94L-1, Q204X-0, is a bull with impressive figures, featuring in the top 1% of the national herd for 200 day weight, he is ranked in the top 5% for his 400 and 600-day weight gain as well as for his Terminal Index (+73) and Self Replacing Index (+67) scores.

Thrunton Oban – 6,700gns

Selling for 6,700gns was the pen leader from the Campbell family’s Thrunton herd at Alnwick, Northumberland. Another with impressive performance figures, his TI of +70 and SRI of +64 place him in the top 5% of the breed. Thrunton Oban has gone to Kincraigie Farms, Lumphanan, and he’s a Q204X carrying, July 2018-born bull, who is fully parentage verified as by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem and out of the Thrunton Gladiator-sired Thrunton Jaquette.

Thrunton Oman – 6,000gns

Three more of the Campbell’s lots sold averaging £6,168.75 for the bunch. Their next highest priced, at 6,000gns, was Thrunton Oman, a 20 month-old bull with a myostatin status of F94L-0, Q204X-0. With top 10% Terminal Index and Self Replacing scores of +60 and + 57, he is sire verified to Thrunton Gladiator and his dam Thrunton Fanciful goes back to the 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal. He was purchased by Glenkiln Farms, Crocketford, Dumfiresshire.

Thrunton Ontario – 5,800gns

Just behind at 5,800gns was the Campbell’s next lot, the September 2018-born Thrunton Ontario, a fully parentage verified bull who is out of the Thrunton Gladiator-sired Thrunton Layla and by the aforementioned Maerdy Jerusalem. Messrs Thomson, Midmar, Aberdeenshire, were the purchasers of this non-myostatin carrier, another to feature in the top 10% of the breed with his TI of +61 and in the top 5% with a SRI of +67, a 400 day weight gain score of +71 and a 600-day weight gain score of +81.

Alsnow Oak -5,300gns

At 5,300gns Alsnow Oak was next in the trade stakes. He was consigned by Neil Wattie, Alford, Aberdeenshire, who had purchased him as a calf at foot from Alan Lawson’s dispersal sale in February last year. The 22 month-old Oak was this time purchased by C Tait, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, and is sire verified as by the Irish-bred Cottage Devon. He has a myostatin status of F94L-0, Q204X-0 and his dam Alsnow Hanna, whose last bull calf sold for 8,000gns, is by the 16,000gns Stirling junior champion Clyth Diplomat.

Lochend Orient – 5,200gns

Lochend Orient a 19 month-old entry from Iain and Rhona Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire, was the next top selling lot at 5,200gns. He is bred out of Lochend India who goes back to the 10,000gns Mortimers Echo. India, who is a twin, is also a full sister to the 22,000gns Lochend Hickory. Orient, a carrier of both the F94L and Q204X myostatin genes, who was snapped up by William Hendry, Dunbar, East Lothian, is sire verified as by the 9,000gns Carlisle class winner Nuthampstead Judas, whose first three Lochend sons have sold to average £6,685.

A trio of bulls sold for the next highest price of 5,000gns and the first was Westcarse Obe, a June 2018-born bull from John and Diane Christie, Stirling. Sired verified as by Nuthampstead Judas, whose sons have sold to 7,500gns, he is out of Westcarse Greta, a Kersknowe Clansman daughter. The 23 month-old Obe whose myostatin status is F94L-0, Q204X-0 sold to E and A Donald and sons, Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

Matching the 5,000gns price tag when he was purchased by Hamlet Cowans, Lochendhead, Dumfries-shire, from consigners J and J Graham, Blairdrummond, Stirlingshire, was the July 2018-born Burnbank Ollymurs, a non-myostatin carrier who was semen tested prior to sale. A bull who is sire verified as by the popular AI bull Blelack Digger, who has added over 200 progeny into the national herd, Ollymurs is bred out of Blackford Lucy, a daughter of the Royal Highland show reserve junior bull champion Elgin Davinci.

The final 5,000gns lot was the 21 month-old Thrunton Octavian, who was offered for sale by JHC Campbell and Son. With a Terminal Index of +54 and a Self Replacing Index of +52, this bull who does not carry any myostatin, is ranked in the top 1% of the breed for 200-day weight gain. Octavian is sire verified to Thrunton Gladiator, out of Thrunton Impala, a daughter of the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman, and was purchased by Leys Estate, Leys Castle, Inverness.

Averages: 17 bulls £5,406.47
Auctioneers: United Auctions

THE GREAT CHAROLAIS SUMMER SHOW 2020 in association with WELSHPOOL LIVESTOCK SALES

Usually getting ready for shows at this time of year, or have always wanted to take part but couldn’t get away from home?

Why not take part in the Great Charolais Summer Show?

How does it work?

• All competitors must be registered British Charolais members

• All entries must be registered British Charolais animals and currently owned by the exhibiting member

• Each week we will announce a new class which we are accepting entries for – these will be the classes that would have been held at the National show in July. Please see the full list of classes at the end of the rules

• Send the name and ear tag number of your entry along with four pictures – front, both sides and rear of your animal or animals and a picture of them walking unhaltered (as we don’t want the handler in the pictures or video) to sue@charolais.co.uk . Please see our mobile phone filming guide here. No professional photos please, photos and video must be taken by the exhibitor. Please do not include the handler in the pictures or video as this competition will be held anonymously and the entry will not be accepted

• For each class, you will have a week to submit your animals once the entries are open

• At the end of the week, we will post the pictures and video for each of the entries in a compilation video on Facebook and twitter, and individually on our website, in a similar format to our online sales – however, no animal or owner information will be available

• Once voting opens on a class, to vote just submit your choice for 1st 2nd and 3rd places on the form on our Facebook page. Your votes will be translated into scores (3 points for 1st place, 2 points for 2nd place and 1 point for 3rd place) which when added together will determine the overall placings in each class

• The class results will be announced each Monday after the voting closes on the Friday and voting for the next class will begin on that same Monday

• The Champion will be judged from the class winners and voting will take place between 14/09/2020 – 17/09/2020

• The Reserve Champion will be judged from the remaining class winners the second placed animal in the winner’s class and voting will take place between 18/09/2020 – 21/09/2020

Prizes

• All Class winners will receive a Charolais jacket and a Prize Rosette
• Breed Champion will be awarded £150.00 (sponsored by Welshpool Livestock sales), a Championship Plaque & Championship Sash
• Reserve Breed Champion will be awarded £100.00 (sponsored by Welshpool Livestock sales)

Classes

Class 1 – FEMALE, born on or between 01/05/2019 – 31/07/2019
(Entries Accepted 22/06/2020 – 28/06/2020. Voting from 29/06/2020 – 03/07/2020)

Class 2 – FEMALE, born on or between 01/03/2019 – 30/04/2019
(Entries Accepted 29/06/2020 – 05/07/2020. Voting from 06/07/2020 – 10/07/2020)

Class 3 – FEMALE, born on or between 01/01/2019 – 29/02/2019
(Entries Accepted 06/07/2020 – 12/07/2020. Voting from 13/07/2020 – 17/07/2020)

Class 4 – FEMALE, born on or between 01/07/2018 – 31/12/2018
(Entries Accepted 13/07/2020 – 19/07/2020. Voting from 20/07/2020 – 24/07/2020)

Class 5 – FEMALE, born on or between 01/01/2018 – 30/06/2018
(Entries Accepted 20/07/2020 – 26/07/2020. Voting from 27/07/2020 – 31/07/2020)

Class 6 – FEMALE, born on or before 31/12/2017
(Entries Accepted 27/07/2020 – 02/08/2020. Voting from 03/08/2020 – 07/08/2020)

Class 7 – BULL, born on or between 01/05/2019 – 31/07/2019
(Entries Accepted 03/08/2020 – 09/08/2020. Voting from 10/08/2020 – 14/08/2020)

Class 8 – BULL, born on or between 01/03/2019 – 30/04/2019
(Entries Accepted 10/08/2020 – 16/08/2020. Voting from 17/08/2020 – 21/08/2020)

Class 9 – BULL, born on or between 01/01/2019 – 29/02/2019
(Entries Accepted 17/08/2020 – 23/08/2020. Voting from 24/08/2020 –28/08/2020)

Class 10 – BULL, born in 2018
(Entries Accepted 24/08/2020 – 30/08/2020. Voting from 31/08/2020 – 04/09/2020)

Class 11 – BULL, born before or on 31/12/2017
(Entries Accepted 31/08/2020 – 06/09/2020. Voting from 07/09/2020 – 11/09/2020)

Supreme Champion
Voting from 14/09/2020 – 17/09/2020

Reserve Supreme Champion
Voting from 18/09/2020 – 21/09/2020

This weekend the Scottish Farmer announced the winner of its Champions of the Decade competition, which has been running for the last few weeks on their website with over 9,000 votes registered throughout the competition. The public voting whittled down the entries to a short lead of three and then the judges Society Chairman Ben Harman and Society President Michael Atkinson had the final agonising task of deciding the ultimate Charolais champion.

They said “After looking at the final three we chose the winner who showed all the attributes of a great Charolais female. She has great depth while retaining clean lines and manages to carry plenty of power, while retaining her femininity. In the picture she is standing beautifully, shows great angles through the pasterns and upward and already hints at being a great milker. She looks good across the plates and the tail head, leaving us to think she will have all the attributes to become a productive breeding cow.”

Champion of the Decade Elgin Catherine

The winner of the converted prize was the 2013 champion Elgin Catherine, who also won the interbreed beef championship at the same show along with her February-born heifer calf Elgin Iona. No stranger to the show, she had previously won the junior female title in 2009.
Bred and exhibited by the Milne family, out of their 50 strong pedigree cow Elgin herd based at Kennieshillock, Llanbryde, she is by Gower Versace and out of the 14,000gns Rumsden Samurai daughter Elgin Unity, a cow which has bred sons to 9,000gns.

2013 was her last year in the show ring and she sadly passed away in the Spring, however she has produced nine sons and daughters in total and most of her female calves have been retained for breeding in the herd. One daughter which was sold was Elgin Lynsey who made 3,600gns at the 2016 herd reduction sale at Stirling.

Since his success with Catherine, Matthew has added to his Highland show accolades not only with winning tickets in the Charolais classes but also being awarded the championship of the beef breeder classes twice and the junior interbreed title in 2018 with Elgin Neuer.

The first of the other two Charolais champions to make it to the short list was the 2019 winner Balthayock Nessie, an entry from Major David and Nick Walter, Perthshire. A heifer’s calf bred out of Balthayock Jessie, a Swalesmoor Cracker daughter, she is sired by the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister. Nessie also visited the Aylth show last year securing the breed championship, the supreme beef interbreed championship and the overall champion of champions awards and has gone on to produce her first calf in March of this year.

2019 Champion Balthayock Nessie

Also being selected in the top three was Olrig Dubarry, who was crowned breed champion in 2010. The 2008-born Dubarry who was bred and exhibited by The Logie Farm Partnership, Newburgh, Fife, was also awarded the reserve ticket in the inter-breed championships of that year. She was sired by the £25,000 Maerdy Impeccable who was himself a prolific show winner, counting amongst his many successes the 1999 Highland show championship, and her dam was Maerdy Alien, a daughter of the Royal Welsh show supreme champion Maerdy Ulm.

2010 Champion Olrig Dubarry

Finally, congratulations must go once again to all the last decades Charolais Highland show champions, which also include: John and Raymond Irvine’s 2011 champion Inverlochy Cathy; Balmyle Eclipse from 2012 who secured the championship for Bill Bruce; the 2014 champion Balmaud Eclipse exhibited by M Bruce & Partners; Balthayock Imp who secured the title in 2015 for Major Walter; Jenny and John Rix’s 2016 champion Wissington Jocasta; Kilbline 1 Instigator who claimed the 2017 title for previous winners John and Raymond Irvine; and the Barclay family’s 2018 champion Harestone Jaquard.

This week will see the interbreed championship determined with Kay Adam, Newhouse, Glamis deciding the Beef winner.

2011 Champion Inverlochy Cathy

2012 Champion Balmyle Eclipse

2014 Champion Balmaud Eclypse

2015 Champion Balthayock Imp

2016 Champion Wissington Jocasta

2017 Champion Kilbline 1 Instigator

2018 Champion Harestone Jaquard

Class Three – FEMALE, born on or between 01/01/2019 – 28/02/2019

Class Three Winner – Newlogie Princesslaika

1st – (Lot 7) AJR Farms – Newlogie Princesslaika – s. Harestone Jaquard
2nd – (Lot 6) George Hadnett – Brigadoon Primeria – s. Newhouse Maxamus
3rd – (Lot 5) Mr D Muirhead – Firhills Polly – s. Glenericht Mecca
4th – (Lot 8) Mr NP Jones – Waterman Perfect – s. Farleycopse Gareth

Class Two – FEMALE, born on or between 01/03/2019 – 30/04/2019

Class Two Winner – Teme Processo

1st – (Lot 4) The Corbett Family – Teme Prosecco – s. Chunal Dougie
2nd – (Lot 3) Robert Aitken – Lourie Panache – s. Tweeddale Lookout
3rd – (Lot 1) Paul & Clare Germany – Botesdale Poppy – s. Weybread Lorenzo
4th – (Lot 2) WK & P Drysdale – Glenericht Paige – s. Caylers Gladiator

It’s time to start thinking about the Autumn sales which are set to go ahead at moment – subject to changes on restrictions.

Entry deadlines are fast approaching and don’t forget that any animal you are entering must be DNA tested, the DNA test must be in progress before the closing date and that the DNA tests must be completed before the sale catalogue goes to print. So, if you are planning to enter animals into any of the Autumn sales it’s best to get in touch with us ASAP to check their DNA tests are being processed/completed.

This information is subject to change if government guidelines on restrictions change so we will keep you informed of any updates as we have them.

Vet Inspections will be taking place at all sales, but there are some other variations between sales that you will need to know about:

Sponsored by Breedr & in Partnership with AHDB #shoutaboutthesire

Entries for all classes are now open and close at midnight on Friday 11/09/2020

Classes

1. Best individual female calf born between 01/01/2020 – 31/03/2020 – Master Judge: Matthew Milne
2. Best individual female calf born between 01/04/2020 – 30/06/2020 – Master Judge: David Connolly
3. Best individual male calf born between 01/01/2020 – 31/03/2020 – Master Judge: Will Owen
4. Best individual male calf born between 01/04/2020 – 30/06/2020 – Master Judge: David Thornley
5. Best group of 5-9 calves born between 01/01/2020 – 30/06/2020 – Master Judge: Jeremy Price
6. Best group of 10 or more calves born between 01/01/2020 – 30/06/2020 – Master Judge: TBC
7. Individual Champion – Master Judge: Mike Atkinson

Competition Rules

All entries must be currently owned by the exhibiting member, sired by registered or previously registered pedigree Charolais bulls. And the sire must be registered on the passport of the entry for mainland animals or with AFBI for Northern Ireland entries

Exhibitors to send their name and contact details along with the following to sue@charolais.co.uk:

1. For animals entered into the individual classes: the ear tag number, tag number of the sire and four pictures (front, back side and a head shot clearly showing the ear tag)
2. For groups: one picture or a twenty second video clip of the group and the tag number of the sire/sires

Photos must be taken by the exhibitor and must not include people so that the competition can be held anonymously

The Charolais Youth stock judging element of the competition will be open to competitors aged between 8-26 years. All competitors must provide their name, DOB and email address. The top four animals (as determined by the master judges) in the four individual classes (classes 1 – 4) will be judged. The standard stock judging rules apply – each of the four classes will consist of four animals (ABXY) which will be placed in order of preference by the competitors. Prizes will be awarded for the winner of each of the junior (8-14), intermediate (15-18) & senior (19-26) sections. In the event of a tie, the winner will the competitor who most closely estimates the weight of the bull

On Monday 21 September, the pictures of the top four animals entered into classes 1, 2, 3 & 4 and the guess the weight bull, will be posted on our website and Facebook page and judging will open for the young judges. Stock judging competitors will have until midnight on Thursday 24 September to place their animals via the competition entry form

The winners of classes 1-4 will be announced though-out the day on Friday 25 September with reasons from the master judges on the individual classes. The championship results will follow (with reasons from the master judge for the individual champion) and the Charolais Youth stock judging results on Saturday 26 September

Any pictures submitted to the competition may be used by the Society for future promotion

Prizes

• Charolais jacket for each winner of classes 1 – 4
• Charolais jacket for each stock judging section winner
• A £500 Charolais bull voucher to each of the winners of classes 5, 6 & 7

Our Sponsors

Breedr runs the Precision Livestock network which is a free precision beef app that helps you produce ultra-efficient animals with real-time performance data & compliance on the go. Sell cattle with confidence in Breedr with the growth predictor that keeps cattle on track for top returns and connects you to buyer who pay best prices for cattle with data pedigrees. Find out more @ www.breedr.co

With only 23 per cent of sires currently registered on passports, AHDB Beef & Lamb is urging farmers to start recording to improve profitability and boost competitiveness. Find out about the benefits of recording the sire of your animals when registering your cattle @ https://ahdb.org.uk/shout-about-the-sire

Due to the sad and sudden death of the well-known Charolais breeder Mike Brown of Barons Cross Charolais Stud, the family presented a major reduction of the herd for sale at Welshpool on Tuesday 23 September.

The Charbron herd which was established in late 1970 has gained national success, winning championships throughout the UK show circuit and commanding high prices at the Perth, Carlisle and Welshpool sales.

The sale topped at 6,500gns and the seven cow and calf outfits on offer averaged £4,005.

Selling for the top price of the day at 6,500gns to JS Vance, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, were the cow and calf pair Charbron Lady and Charbron Regent. The five year-old Lady is fully parentage verified to her sire, the 70,000gns Royal Welsh show supreme champion Barnsford Ferny and her dam Charbron Duchess, a daughter of the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman. Her two month-old son Charbron Regent, who is also fully parentage verified and carries a myostatin status of F94L-2, Q204X-1 is sired by Hurcott Ivanhoe.

Next in the trade stakes and being knocked down at 5,000gns was another cow and calf outfit, this time selling to J Rich, Mold, Flintshire. Charbron Luscious was the cow. Sired by the homebred Charbron Heredity, a 12,000gns Royal Welsh show reserve supreme champion, she is bred out of the Royal Welsh show junior male champion Caylers Supreme daughter Charbron Amazing and this five year-old, who is also fully parentage verified carries two copies of the Q204X myostatin variant in her genetics. She was sold along with her four month-old, fully parentage verified heifer calf Charbron Radiant, whose is sired by Whitecliffe Harlequin.

Not far behind at 4,000gns were the next pair, Charbron Investment and her bull calf Charbron Remarkable. Investment is a seven year-old daughter of the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Goldies Unbeatable and the Burradon Talisman-sired Charbron Fortune and was sold PD’d to the aforementioned Hurcott Ivanhoe. Her five month-old son Remarkable who has a myostatin status of F94L-1 , Q204X-1, is sired by Hurcott Ivanhoe and the pair have gone home with Llanllwyda, Tywyn, Gwynedd.

The top priced single female was Charbron Perfect, a January 2019-born heifer who was snapped up by the Corbett family, Knighton, Powys. Her dam is the Charbron Heredity daughter Charbron Luscious, and the sire here is Charbron Lordship. She is fully parentage verified and carries one copy of Q204X.

Leading the prices for the small consignment of bulls at 2,120gns and selling to DT Roberts, Llanfechain, Powys, was the 18-month old Charbron Perfection. A son of the homebred Charbron Lordship, his dam is the Goldies Unbeatable daughter Charbron Luxuriant, who had sold earlier in the sale along with her heifer calf at foot for 3,300gns.

Averages: seven cow and calves £4,005.00; one cow £2730.00; eight heifers £1715.44; four bulls £1593.38

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales

A long established member is offering their farms for sale with or without an opportunity to purchase a herd or part herd of excellent Pedigree Polled Charolais – a very rare opportunity.

The Pentervin herd has been established over 32 years and currently have excellent market all from home for 40 plus young bulls annually. In the last six years bulls have been sold as well as all over the UK – into Holland, Germany, and Ireland. Semen sales to many more countries throughout the world – most recently USA. No females have been sold for breeding ever from this herd.

A small but high-quality offering of Charolais bulls saw a high of 3,500gns at Carlisle’s Borderway Autumn pedigree sale on Friday 2 October with four finding new homes to average £3,019.

The top priced lot, securing the 3,500gns bid, who came all the way from Colchester, Essex was Jenny and John Rix’s Wissington Primo. A 17 month-old bull who is sire verified as by stock bull Gretnahouse Juror, who bred almost 80 progeny into the herd, his dam is the Thrunton Hammerstein daughter Wissington Luscious. Purchased by JH Stawhorn and Son, Lockerbie, Dumfrieshire, this is a bull with impressive figures behind him. Placing in the top one percent of the national herd for calving ease with a score of +18.8, he also features in the top five percent for gestation length, growth figures, terminal index and self replacing index scores and carries one copy of the Q204X myostatin variant in his genes.

Minutes earlier, the first Charolais lot of the sale was knocked down at 3,000gns. A September 2018-born born entry from Jonathan Wood, Shap, Cumbria. Forcebeck Outlaw who has a myostatin status of F94L-1, Q204X-1, is sire verified to the homebred Forcebeck Mac and bred out of Gretnahouse Jillona, who goes back to the 17,000gns Balthayock Gladiator. Another with impressive figures, featuring in the top 10 percent of the breed for 200 day weight, 600 day weight, TI and SRI he was snapped up by G McClanachan and Sons, Torthorwald, Dumfriesshire, who also went on to purchase the other two Charolais bulls sold.

Selling for 2,800gns and 2,200gns respectively his other two purchases were Rob Tremayne’s Marne Perth, from Helston, Cornwall and Paul & Harry Stobart’s Kirklinton Private from Carlisle, Cumbria. Marne Perth, a bull with a myostatin status of F94L-0, Q204X-1, is an 18 month-old who has been fully parentage verified by DNA. The 70,000gns Royal Welsh supreme champion Barnsford Ferny is the sire here and his dam is the Devon County show reserve female champion Marne Mirage, whose sire was the Royal Cornwall show supreme champion Marne Gucci.

The final lot Kirklinton Private, who also possesses on copy of Q204X, is an April 2019-born bull who is fully parentage verified to his sire Major and dam the Balbithan Egypt-sired Kerling Ivy.

Averages: 4 bulls £4,018.75
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.

Virtual Commercial Calf Competition 2020 – Results

Charolais Youth Virtual Stock judging results. Thank you to our master judge Michael Atkinson who placed the animals XBYA.

The Senior class winner with a score of 46 and the closest to guessing the weight is Lois Scott.

2nd – Tom Brown – 46 points

3rd – Sarah Johnston – 46 points

The winner of the intermediate class with a score of 41 is Alex Frost

2nd – James Morrison – 25 points

And with a score of 45 the winner of the junior class is Kerr Brooke

2nd – Gwion Rhys Jones-Howells – 40

3rd – Thomas Goldie – 37

Congratulations to all the winners, a Charolais jacket is on its way to you.

Thank you to all the competitors, our judges Matthew Milne, David Connolly, Will Owen, David Thornley, Jeremy Price & Mike Atkinson and sponsors Breedr and AHDB who have all helped to make our Virtual Commercial Calf & Stockjudging competition such a great success. Here’s hoping we will be back out on the road for more live Charolais Youth events in 2021.Congratulations to all the winners, a Charolais jacket is on its way to you.

With the current COVID-19 situation still on-going and the challenges this continues to bring to the farming industry, it was not possible to have the normal and much anticipated pre-sale show at the autumn Stirling bull sales. Fortunately, the sale was still able to proceed and it was clear to see that Charolais bulls were once again in high demand. 43 bulls sold, selling to an average of £6627, up by £1068 on the previous year, with a clearance of 60%.

Peter Phythian, the Society chief executive said “ despite these difficult and challenging times to run our bull sale, buyers came out in force and showed the demand Charolais have in the store market which reflected in our sale today, with averages up over £1,000 a bull on last Octobers sale.” Read more…

Gretnahouse Primate – 20,000gns

Topping the day’s trade at 20,000gns was the 18-month-old Gretnahouse Primate from Alasdair Houston, of Gretna House Farms, Mossknowe House, Kirkpatrick Fleming, Dumfriesshire. Sire verified to the easy calving Westcarse Jimmy, purchased by Alasdair back in 2016, who’s sons have previously sold for up to 11,000gns. Gretnahouse Primates dam is Gretnahouse Iugesse, sired by the well-known trait leader for calving ease direct Blelack Digger. This lad was destined to be a breeder’s bull and went under the hammer to Hamish Goldie of South Bowerhouses, Ruthwell, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire.

Glenericht Pablo – 16,000gns

Selling at 16,000gns, the second top price of the day went to Glenericht Pablo, bred by W K & P Drysdale, Middle Drimmie, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. This 18-month-old lad is fully parent verified to Glenericht Limpet and Glenericht Juicygirl, a daughter of Balthayock Graduate who they purchased back in to 2013. This lad sold to J Wight & Sons of Carwood Farm, Lanarkshire.

Thrunton Paramount – 10,000gns

Third top price of the day was the 10,000gns bull Thrunton Paramount, bred by J H C Campbell & Sons, Thrunton Farm, Thrunton, Northumberland. At 18-months old and sired by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem, out of Thrunton Lucinda, a daughter of Thrunton Gladiator a trait leader for calving ease direct. This lad was purchased by Rettie

Trunton Performer – 8,800gns

Thrunton Performer and from the same stable, sold for 8,800gns, this March 2019 born lad is also sired by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem and out of Thrunton Floret, a daughter from the easy calving Balmyle Dickler. Purchased by W Barbour, Carsegowan Farm, Dumfries.

Glenericht Parker – 8,800gns

Next to secure 8,800gns was Glenericht Parker, April 2019 born, and another bred by W K & P Drysdale, also sired by Glenericht Limpet, his dam Glenericht Hayley is a daughter of the 16,000gns Clyth Diplomat. This lad sold to W S Paterson of Golland, Kinross.

Thrunton Platinum – 8,000gns

On a roll, April 2019 born Thrunton Platinum went under the hammer for 8,000gns, this time sire verified to Thrunton Gladiator, a trait leader for calving ease and out of Thrunton Hoopla, a daughter of Thrunton Doubletop. Purchased by W Milne of Ernan, Waterside Road, Strathdon.

Balmyle Panther – 8,000gns

Also selling for 8,000gns was Balmyle Panther, bred by W P Bruce Ltd, Balmyle, Meigle,Perthshire. This 17-month-old bull is fully parent verified and sired by Balthayock Minstrel and out of Balmyle Dorothea, a daughter of Sackville Adonis. Purchased by W & W Dawsons & Sons of Whinbrae, Aberdeenshire.

Goldies Premier – 7,200gns

Goldies Premier hammered down at 7,200gns, bred by Hamish Goldie of South Bowerhouses, Ruthwell, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire. This 19-month-old bull is sired by the easy calving Balthayock Marquis and out of Goldies Lilac, a daughter from the 15,000gns bull Gretnahouse Heman. Purchased by Coghill.

Bombax Pirate – 7,000gns

The gavel came down five times at 7,000gns, first was Bombax Pirate, bred by C Smeaton & Sons, Cotton of Ovenstone, Inverarity, Angus. This 21-month-old bull is sired by the famous, easy calving Westcarse Houdini, out of Mornity Marilyn, a daughter of the 15,000gns Maerdy HWRE. This lad sold to Easter Tulloch Ltd of Kincardineshire.

Gretnahouse Pointer – 7,000gns

March 2019 born Gretnahouse Pointer followed; bred by Alasdair Houston from Gretna House Farms, Mossknowe House, Kirkpatrick Fleming, Dumfriesshire. Sired by the 17,000gns Balthayock Gladiator and out of Gretnahouse Lannabel, her sire Wesley Equinox is a trait leader for calving ease direct. This lad was purchased by R McNee Ltd of Woodend farm, West Lothian.

Thrunton Pathos – 7,000gns

Also selling for 7,000gns was Thrunton Pathos, another from the J H C Campbell stable. This 18-month old bull is fully parent verified and sired by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem and out of Thrunton Linnet, a daughter of Thrunton Gladiator, a trait leader for calving ease direct. Purchased by J & W Kellas of Raws Farm, Keith.

Glenericht President – 7,000gns

Next to follow at 7,000gns was the 17-month-old bull Glenericht President, another bred by W K & P Drysdale, Middle Drimmie, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. This 17-month-old bull is parent verified to Glenericht Limpet and Glenericht Idyll, a daughter of Blelack Digger who is a trait leader for calving ease direct. This lad sold to A J Beaton of 3 Gesto, Isle of Skye.

Marwood Pascal, born in May-2019 and bred by RA & J Blyth, Middleton House Farm, Elwick, Hartlepool, Cleveland was the last to hammer down at 7,000gns. Sired by the 16,000gns bull Balthayock Lineup, his dam Marwood Iona, is a daughter of the 55,000gns bull Sportsmans Columbo. Purchased by W F & H Logan of Maxwelston, Ayrshire.

Not far behind at 6,800gns came Bassett Piper, bred by Miss J Atkinson and sold by Brailes Livestock, Isalyn, Main Street, Upper Brailes, Banbury, Oxfordshire. Sired by Whitecliffe Highlight. His dam Bassett Hifi is a daughter of the 10,000gns bull Harestone Domino. This lad went to Ross Farms & Co LTD, Wester Middleton, Midlothian.

Two lots traded at 6500gns. First up was Glenernan Piper, bred by W & N Milne, Ernan, Waterside, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. This 21-month-old bull is sire verified to the 17,000gns Elgin Jagger and out of Glenernan Linda, a daughter of Glenernan Highlander. Purchased by Ellis & Keir of Cairncoullie, Aberdeenshire.

Coolnaslee Parker – 6,500gns

Next to secure 6500gns was Coolnaslee Parker, bred by Jonathan Crawford, Maghera, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Sired by the 12,000gns bull Maerdy Maesmor, his dam Coolnaslee Lyra is a daughter of the 12,000gns bull Maerdy Fiend. Purchased by C A Smith of Wester Coull, Aberdeenshire.

Coming in at 6200gns was Elrick Pele, bred by Mr M J Massie, Mains of Elrick, Auchnagatt, Ellon, Aberdeenshire. At 17-months old, this bull is sire verified to the easy calving Maerdy Gouverneur, and out of Elrick Juniper, a daughter of Thrunton Fearless. Purchased by D Findlay & Sons of Pirnhall farm, Stirling.

Three further lots traded at 6000gns.

First of the three was the 21-month-old Glenernan Pele, another bred by W & N Milne, also sired by the 17,000gns bull Elgin Jagger and out of Corskellie Jinni, a daughter of Dingle Hofmeister. Purchased by Kincraigie Farms, By Banchory, Aberdeen.

Second to secure 6000gns was February 2019 born Newlogie Perejacquemin, bred by AJR Farms, Milton Of Collieston, Ellon, Aberdeenshire. A Newlogie Nobel son, out of Newlogie Naya, a daughter of the French bull Berry Mic. This lad went to C Smith of Broomhill, Dunecht.

Last of the three to hit the 6000gns mark was Lochend Poldark, bred by Mr & Mrs J W Millar, Lochend Farm, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire. This April 2019 born bull is sire verified to the easy calving Gretnahouse Ming and out of Lochend Lightning, a daughter of Oldstone Egbert. Purchased by E & L Munro, Rogiehill, Aberdeen.

Kersknowe Padre, bred by Mr J Jeffrey, Kersknowe, Kelso, Roxburgshire secured the bid of 5800gns. Born in April 2019 and sired by Kersknowe Jake and out of Kersknowe Mistress, a daughter of the 16,000gns bull Burradon Insomniac, this bull was purchased by R McCarlie Ltd, Wester Hassockrigg Farm, Lanarkshire.

Also, to secure a bid of 5800gns was Tweeddale Perfectpitch, bred by J Watson & Co, Bowsden Moor Farm, Bowsden, Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland. This June 2019 born bull, sired by Blelack Blackberet and out of a Blelack Digger daughter Tweeddale Icemaiden. This bull was purchased by Walker.

Two bulls went under the hammer at 5500gns, both bred by Major D F W H & N R Walter, of Garden House, Balthayock, Perth, Perthshire. First to go under the hammer was Balthayock Pluto, born in May 2019 and sired by the easy calving Balthayock Meteor, his dam Balthayock Highness is a daughter of Swalesmoor Cracker. Purchased by R Atkinson of Rose Tree farm.

Balthayock Pioneer followed at 5500gns, also born in May 2019, sired by the easing calving, 11,000gns bull Gretnahouse Lunar, his dam Balthayock Inga is another daughter of Swalesmoor Cracker, this one selling to Evans Corfield & Son of Big Huntingdon, Ludlow.

A further two bulls reached 5200gns. Tweeddale Pegasus, an April 2019 born lad and another from J Watson & Co. Sired by the 23,000gns bull Goldies Jasper and out of Tweeddale Icemaiden, a daughter of the easy calving Blelack Digger. Purchased by G & A Milne of Standing Stones, Banchory.

Also securing the bid of 5200gns and from the same stable was Tweeddale Paddy, born in the same month and also sired by the 23,000gns bull Goldies Jasper, out of Tweeddale Ironlady another daughter of Blelack Digger, this time selling to J Farquhar of Kinaldie, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.

The Westcarse herd was founded in 1984, and over the years they have continued to breed exceptional cattle. This was evident in the quality of the herd they put forward for their dispersal on Sunday.

Peter Phythian, the Society chief executive said “its always sad to see great breeders like John and Diane retire from the breed, but it gives new breeders a fantastic opportunity to purchase some elite females as foundation cows and I am sure we will see many Westcarse bloodlines winning shows over the years to come”

Westcarse Milly 13,000gns

Born in January 2016, Westcarse Milly sired by Mortimers Highlandfling and out of Westcarse Ivy, a daughter of Mortimers Vanquish and who goes back to Brampton Embark. Milly was PD’d in calf to Nuthampstead Judas prior to the sale and sold with her bull calf at foot for a whopping 13,000gns. This unit was purchased by R & N Barclay of Harestone Farm, South Road, Aberdeenshire.

Westcarse Molly – 8,500gns

Two units went under the hammer at 8500gns. First up was Westcarse Molly, born in April 2016. Also sired by Mortimers Highlandfling and out of Westcarse Vanilla, a daughter of Oscar. Molly is 7 weeks in calf and sold with her heifer calf at foot to Brailes Livestock of Isalyn, Upper Brailes, Oxfordshire.

Westcarse Peaches – 8,500gns

Next to secure the bid of 8500gns was Westcarse Peaches, born in April 2019 and sired by Nuthampstead Judas, and out of Westcarse Milly, who sold moments before at 13,000gns. Peaches was purchased by A & JJ Forrest of Hillend, Roberton, Lanark.

Westcarse Naomi – 6,800gns

The hammer went down at 6800gns for Westcarse Naomi, born in May 2017, sired by Mortimers Highlandfling and out of Westcarse Greta, a daughter of Kersknowe Clansman. PD’d in calf to Nuthampstead Judas, Naomi was sold with her bull calf at foot to Sean Mitchell, Grassknop, Skelton, Penrith.

Westcarse Poppy 6,500gns

Westcarse Poppy a maiden heifer, born in February 2019, sired by Nuthampstead Judas and out of Westcarse Candace, who kicked off the sale, selling for 5200gns, a daughter of Farleycopse Turbo. Poppy sold for 6500gns to S F Mackay of Knockaneorn Clunas, Nairn.

Westcarse Priscilla – 6,200gns

Securing 6200gns was Westcarse Priscilla, a maiden heifer born in February 2019, sired by Nuthampstead Judas and out of Westcarse Julia, a daughter of the 10,000gns bull Mortimers Echo. This heifer was purchased by A J Ewing, of Drumbetton Farm, Dumfries.

Westcarse Margaret – 6,000gns

The last of the girls to secure a 6000gns sum was Westcarse Margaret, born in January 2016, sired by Mortimers Highlandfling and out of Westcarse Val, a daughter of Mowbraypark Orlando. PD’d 6 weeks in calf to Nuthampstead Judas. This cow sold with her bull calf at foot to J Irvine & Son of Inverlochy Farm, Banffshire.

Nuthampstead Judas – 6,000gns

The last to enter the sale ring was their stock bull Nuthampstead Judas, born in December 2014 and bred by G P Barker. This bull was purchased in 2016 for 9000gns and has gone on to produce quality bulls and females in the Westcarse herd. He’s sired by the 10,000gns bull Thrunton Goldeneye and out of Nuthampstead Gem, a daughter of Thrunton Dominator. Judas sold for 6000gns to J & S Middleton of Woodhead of Laithers, Aberdeenshire.

21 cows and calves averaged at £5045

Four cows averaged £3307.50

Five in-calf heifers averaged at £3717

Eight Maiden heifers averaged at £4869.38

With what normally would have been a packed ringside, the current COVID-19 restrictions meant a limited number of purchasers were permitted in the Mart. However, this did not discourage buyers from attending the sale or registering to bid via the on-line auction. Even in these unprecedented times it was clear to see the demand to buy Charolais cattle is still going strong.

Bidding peaked for the bulls at 6,200gns, with 15 bulls selling to average £3,647, up £370.24 on the previous year. The females went on to peak at 4,600gns, with 6 heifers selling to an average of £3,867.50, up by £1727.35 on the previous year, with a 67% clearance.

Glencoe Phoenix sold for 6,200gns

Two bulls secured the top price of 6,200gns. First to go under the hammer was Glencoe Phoenix, bred by Mr P & Mrs V McDonald of 73 Seavers Road, Ballinliss, Killeavy, Newry. This April 2019 born bull is sired by Indurain and out of Glencoe Magic, a daughter of Plexus. This lad was purchased by D Kennedy of 12 Tullynagin Road, Armagh.

Fymore Prince sold for 6,200gns

Next to secure 6,200gns was the July 2019 born Fymore Prince, bred by Mr S McCaughey of 3A Derryclooney Road, Augher, Co. Tyrone. A son of Killimor In Time, his dam Fymore Jewel is a daughter of 18,000gns bull Fury Action. This bull sold to R Ward of 11 Slievebane Road, Omagh.

Woodpark Pistol sold for 4,300gns

Will Short, of Wood Park, Omagh received the third top price of the day with Woodpark Pistol, this 15-month-old bull is fully parent verified to Blelack Marmaduke and Woodpark Jessie J, a daughter of Deeside Gulliver who is in the top 1% for calving ease direct. Woodpark Pistol went under the hammer at 4,300gns selling to A Semple of 67 Magheramore Road, Co Londonderry.

Killadeas Paul sold for 4,000gns

Selling at 4,000gns was Killadeas Paul, bred by S & D Bothwell, St Angelo, Ballina Mallard, Co. Fermanagh. An April 2019 born bull, sired by the 11,000gns bull Battleford Laser. His dam Killadeas Ginny is by the 16,000gns bull Blackford Dynamite. This lad was purchased by C Clarke of 16 Chapel Road, Co. Armagh.

Carnview Phoenix sold for 3,900gns

Not far behind at 3,900gns was Carnview Phoenix, bred by Mr J J Mcguigan, 31 Slaughtneil Road, Maghera, Co. Londonderry. Sired by the famous Davally Illusion and out of Balbithan Georgia, a daughter of the 10,000gns bull Chunal Dougie. This 18-month-old bull was purchased by P Mullan of 6 Liscall Road, Co. Londonderry.

Tullygarley Phantom sold for 3,700gns

The gavel came down at 3,700gns for Tullygarley Phantom, bred by Mr J K Currie, 153 Whitesides Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. Born in June 2019, this bull is sire verified to the famous 14,000gns bull Westcarse Houdini and out of Tullygarley Indie, a daughter of Tullygarley Gordon. This lad was purchased by J McHenry of Knockmore House, Stranocum.

Bessiebell Olympic sold for 4,600gns

Topping the days trade for the females was Bessiebell Olympic, bred by Mr J Smyth of 12 Milltown Road, Magheracolton, Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone. Sired by Goldies Eddy and out of Bessiebell Incredible, a Goldies Unbeatable daughter. This March 2018 born, in-calf heifer peaked at 4,600gns and was purchased by Dreamteam Charolais, Co Donegal

Kiiladeas Ouch sold for 4,300gns

Two then followed at 4,300gns. Killadeas Ouch was the first female to go under the hammer at 4,300gns. Born in September 2018, this in-calf heifer is bred by S & D Bothwell, St Angelo, Ballina Mallard, Co. Fermanagh. Her sire is the 11,000gns bull Battleford Laser, out of Killadeas Imogen, a daughter of the 16,000gns bull Blackford Dynamite.  This heifer sold to S Kingham of Cullaville, Co, Monaghan.

Brogher Oelly sold for 4,300gns

Brogher Oelly was next to sell at 4,300gns. PD’d in calf, this November 2018 born heifer is bred by Mr T Phair, 35 Killybracken Road, Bellanaleck, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. Sired by Balbithan Vespasian and out of Brogher Elly, a daughter of Private. This heifer was purchased by B Baxter of Keel Park, Co Fermanagh.

What has been an unpredictable and unprecedented year; COVID-19 has certainly created many challenges to the farming industry, and with restrictions still heavily in place it was not possible to hold our normal pre-sale show. Despite this, it did not deter breeders from entering the sale nor the purchasers from bidding; and the demand to buy Charolais bulls continues to rise.

25 bulls sold to average £3878.70, up £262.76 on the year with a 66% clearance.

DOOLEY PRINGO – SOLD FOR 6,000gns

David Thornley of the Dooley herd from Hartshorne, Derbyshire, who is an avid supporter of the Welshpool sale, once again secured the top price of the day with Dooley Pringo, selling for 6,000gns. This 15-month-old lad is sired by the 31,000gns bull Whitecliffe Highlight, his dam Balnuith Honesty, is a daughter of the well-known, easy calving Blelack Digger. Pringo went under the hammer to H Edwards, A’I Gwmni, Bwlch-Y-Mawn, Corwen.

From the same stable, Dooley Polo seized the second top price of the day selling for 5,200gns. This bull is a son of Balmyle Nathan, his dam Dooley Jazzy is by the 15,000gns Goldies Dynamite. This 14-month-old bull heads off to Hereford and was purchased by D J Cleland of Glebe Farm.

WISSINGTON PHILIPPO – SOLD FOR 5,000gns

Three bulls went under the hammer at 5,000gns. First up was Wissington Philippo, bred by Mrs J Rix, Wissington Grove Farm, Essex. Sired by Davally Igolo who is in the top 1% for calving ease direct. His dam Wissington Hazel is sired by Goldies Cassanova. This 19-month-old bull was purchased by P Edwards & Co of Tredomen Farm, Mid Glamorgan.

ESGOB PRINCE – SOLD FOR 5,000gns

Next to be knocked down at 5,000gns was Esgob Prince, bred by G M Jones of Gwynedd. Born in May 2019, this bull is sired by the 12,000gns bull Caylers Hustler and out of a Anside Excalibur daughter Esgob Hiphop. A C & DT Hughes secured the winning bid, and Prince heads to his new home at Brychyni, Pwllheli, Gwynedd.

BELAN PERSISTANCE – SOLD FOR 5,000gns

I Davies of Bedlwyn, Tredegyr Newydd secured the last to reach 5,000gns, when the hammer went down for the last time for Belan Persistance, this stylish bull is bred by Mr J S Abel of Hendreaur, Cwmbelan, Powys. This lad, also born in May 2019 is sired by Tweeddale Marcus, and out of Belan Lily, a daughter of the 18,000gns bull Thrunton Fairfax.

DOOLEY PURDY – SOLD FOR 4,800gns

Another from the Dooley stable went on to reach 4,800gns, this time it was Dooley Purdy, one of the last bulls through the ring and also from the same breeding as Dooley Pringo. This August-2019 born bull caught the eye of Meistri Williams and heads off to Parcybryncelyn, Ynys Mon.

WISSINGTON PAVAROTTI – SOLD FOR 4,500gns

The gavel came down three times at 4,500gns, with the first being offered for sale from by Mrs J Rix, Wissington Grove Farm, Essex. Wissington Pavarotti, also sired by Davally Igolo and out of Wissington Fancy, a Thrunton Aristocrat daughter. This 20-month-old lad was snapped up by J&R Vaughan-Jones of Caethle, Gwynedd.

SEAWELL PANTHER – SOLD FOR 4,500gns

The second to sell at 4,500gns was Seawell Panther, bred by P M & S M Donger of Seawell Grounds, Towcester, Northamptonshire. This April-2019 born lad is sired by the 13,000gns bull Balthayock Jonathan, his dam Seawell Icassia is a daughter of the 20,000gns Maerdy Flambeau. B & M James captured the bid and Panther will start his work at Upper Black Hill, Powys.

SPORTSMANS PUNCH – SOLD FOR 4,500gns

The hammer went down to T & M Lewis of The Lands, Llandrindod Wells, who take home Sportsmans Punch after securing their bid of 4,500gns. This July-2019 born bull is a son of the 26,000gns bull Goldies Jerry, his dam Sportsmans Isis is a daughter of the Royal Welsh 2013 Supreme Champion Barnsford Ferny, who sold at Stirling for 70,000gns in 2011.

SEAWELL PRETENDER – SOLD FOR 4,200gns

Seawell Pretender was not far behind, banging down at 4,200gns, another bull presented by P M & S M Donger of Seawell Grounds, Towcester, Northamptonshire. This 19-month-old lad is also sired by the 13,000gns bull Balthayock Jonathan and out of Seawell Gita, a daughter of Seawell Compact. Pretender also heads off to A C & DT Hughes, Brychyni, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, their second purchase of the day.

MONTGOMERY PEDR – SOLD FOR 4,000gns

Montgomery Pedr, bred by Roberts & Jones of Parc, Llangadfan, Powys. A son of Gretnahouse Jugular, out of Montgomery Iarll, a daughter of the famous Dingle Hofmeister who sold for 30,000gns in 1994. Born in June-2019, Pedr sold for 4,000gns to R E Griffiths and heads off to his new home at Llywn-Y-Mafon, Criccieth, Gwynedd.

HERE’S A FEW MORE PICTURES FROM THE DAY

Today Defra has launched a public consultation and call for views on a range of proposals and longer-term options, in keeping with the government response to Professor Sir Charles Godfray’s 2018 independent review of the bTB eradication strategy.

Natural England (NE) has also published several documents in relation to the animal disease bovine tuberculosis (bTB) on GOV.UK.

Consultation

The consultation sets out proposals for NE to stop issuing the current intensive cull licences for new areas post 2022 and enable new licences issued to be cut short if the Chief Veterinary Officer considers this acceptable. As well as proposals to restrict any new supplementary cull licences to two years and cease re-issuing such licences in any areas in which supplementary culling has previously been licensed.

Proposals also include some targeted changes to our cattle bTB testing policy, to ensure we root out the disease more effectively in herds with recurring problems, and further help protect lower bTB risk areas.

Further information can be found online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/bovine-tuberculosis-proposals-to-help-eradicate-disease-in-england

Call for views

These include possible further changes and improvements to bTB testing, supporting responsible cattle movements and rewarding low risk cattle purchasing behaviour.  Our call for views also discusses ways we can continue to adapt how we reward farmers for ’best practice‘, in line with our wider agricultural transition plan.

Further information can be found online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/bovine-tuberculosis-future-measures-to-help-eradicate-disease

Natural England has also published a series of documents relating to the 2020 intensive badger control operations, including:

• NE Chief Scientist’s advice on outcome of ops, including effectiveness, humaneness and safety
• CVO’s advice on disease control benefits
• Annex-A1-Updating minimum and maximum numbers during 2020 badger control operations
• Annex-A2-Data from the 2020 badger control operations
• Annex-B-Summary of 2020 badger control compliance monitoring

Further information can be found online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bovine-tb-summary-of-badger-control-monitoring-during-2020?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=8b5a6b87-9863-4b4b-a91e-0189e8621cda&utm_content=immediately

There’s no phantom about this top price – BALLINLARE PHANTOM peaked at 16,000gns

Sunday 28^th February saw United Auctions host their annual Spring Bull sale where Charolais, once again, came out on top.  With current Government Guidelines still in place there was a good mixture of people buying in person, online and over the phone.  Top price peaked at 16,000gns which levelled out to the average price of £7121, up by £347 per head, on the previous year. 93 animals were put forward with a 71% clearance rate.

British Charolais Cattle Society CEO, Peter Phythian said “he was pleased with the good strong commercial trade on the day, with the Charolais breed still in high demand”

Ballinlare Phantom – Sold for16,0000gns

BALLINLARE PHANTOM was the top seller of the day reaching a top price of 16,000gns.  This 20-month-old lad is bred by J H Wilson and Sons of Newry, Co. Down.  Phantom’s sire, Balthayock Justice was Reserve Supreme Champion and was the top sale price at 50,000gns at Stirling in 2015.  His dam Ballinlare Isis is sired by Goldies Carnival.  The winning bidders, in a two-way split, were R M Adam & Son of Glamis, Angus and M J Massie from Ellon, Aberdeenshire

Solwayfirth Peterpan – Sold for 14,000 gns

Second top price of the day at 14,000gns was SOLWAYFIRTH PETERPAN, bred by I & D Goldie in Annan, Dumfriesshire.  This 17-month-old lad is sired by the 11,000gns Glenericht Majestic, his dam Solwayfirth Charity is the daughter of Maerdy Restful.  He will be joining the herd at Hafod Yr Esgob Uchaf in Bala at the farm of G M Jones.

A trio of bulls sold for the next highest price of 12,000gns.

Elgin Pele – Sold for 12,000 gns

First to reach 12,000gns was ELGIN PELE from Mr R A Milne in Elgin, Morayshire.  Described as ‘one of the better bulls in the yard’ the 22-month-old bull is by the easy calving Westcarse Houdini, his dam, Elgin Electra, is a full sister to the 20,000gns Elgin DaVinci and a daughter of Harestone Tyrol . The successful bidder was James Moir of Auchorties Farm, Banff.

Elrick Patriot – Sold for 12,000 gns

The second bull to reach 12,000gns was ELRICK PATRIOT, he is sired by Maerdy Gouverneur and bred by Mr M J Massie from Ellon in Aberdeenshire.  Patriot, out of Elrick Lass, a daughter of Thrunton Fearless, the 2011 Intermediate and Supreme Champion, who sold for 16,000 gns at Stirling. Patriot will be making the journey to his new home with J & W Kellas at Raws Farm, Keith.

Elrick Poldark – Sold for 12,000 gns

The final bull to reach 12,000gns also from the same stable of Mr M J Massie.  20-month-old ELRICK POLDARK is the full brother to Elrick Outlaw who sold for 25,000gns and is the son of the easy calving Maerdy Gouverneur.  His dam, Elrick Florida, is a daughter of 11,000gns Maerdy Dublin.  He is going home with Glass & Smith, Mills of Folis, Aberdeenshire.

Thrunton Plato – sold for 10,000 gns

Four bulls went on to make 10,000gns, the first one secured the bid was THRUNTON PLATO, bred by J H C Campbell & Sons of Alnwick, Northumberland.  This 22-month-old Plato is sired by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalam and is out of Thrunton Jessie J, a daughter of Burradon Garibaldi, who sold for 26,000gns at Stirling in 2013.  He will be joining the farm of W Pringle and Son of Yorkston Farm, Mid Lothian.

Aultmore Phantom – Sold for 10,000 gns

The next to sell at 10,000gns was AULTMORE PHANTOM from the farm of W Patterson & Son from Keith, Bannfshire. Phantom is a very stylish bull from an easy calving line.  His sire, Westcarse Houdini sold for 14,000 gns in 2013.  His dam is Aultmore Lassie, a daughter of Aultmore Gladiator.  The men behind the money were R O Chandler & Co from Skirrid Farm, Abergavenny.

Falleninch Paco – Sold for 10,000 gns

E & M Fairhurst & Son from Bankend Farm, by Lancaster secured the next successful bid at 10,000gns who take home FALLENINCH PACO, a 21-month-old bull bred by Mr A B Hornall from Falleninch Farm, Stirling.  Paco is fully parent verified and is sired by Falleninch Memo, out of Falleninch Libby, a daughter of Dereskit Fernando.

Goldies Paul – Sold for 10,000 gns

The final bull to make 10,000gns was GOLDIES PAUL who comes from the farm of Mr H Goldie in Dumfries.  This outstanding 18-month-old lad is out of Goldies Jo, a daughter of the easy calving Blelack Digger. His sire is Balthayock Marquis, who is known for easy calving.  His new owner is J S Fraser from Toir Mains Farm, Ross-Shire.

Carwood Pioneer – Sold for 9,000 gns

Just behind, with a bid of 9,000gns was CARWOOD PIONEER.  The 20-month-old lad is sired by the 12,000gns Maerdy Magestic, a son of Maerdy Grenadier who sold for 20,000gns at Stirling in 2013.  His dam, Carwood Hilda is a daughter of Elgin Emperor.  This 20-month-old bull is bred by Mr & Mrs C J Wight of Biggar, Lanarkshire and will be joining the herd at Hyslop Farm in Moffat, Dumfriesshire.

The next best seller was MIDSHIELD PAUL who sold for 8,500gns, bred by J & E Wight of Biggar, Lanarkshire. This fully parent verified 22-month-old bull is sired by Midlock John and out of Midshield Jazmin, the daughter of Maerdy Domino.  He will be heading home with F & G Young of Balnowlart, Ayeshire.

Eight seemed to be the number of the day with 8 lots selling for 8,000gns.

Kersknowe Patriot – Sold for 8,000 gns

The first two to sell at this price were from the Kersknowe herd of Mr J Jeffrey of Kelso, Roxburghshire.  First to go under the hammer at 8,000gns was KERSKNOWE PATRIOT, sired by Kersknowe McGregor, a son of Inverlochy Fencer who was junior and overall supreme champion and sold for 20,000gns at Stirling in 2012.  His dam, Kersknowe Iris is sired by Lagavaich Fernando.  He will be making his way home with Duncan Macvicar from Middle Ballat Farm in Glasgow.

Kersknowe Provost – Sold for 8,000 gns

Mr Jeffery’s second bull to make 8,000gns was 22-month-old KERSKNOWE PROVOST who is sired by the 20,000gns bull Inverlochy Fencer.  His dam, Kersknowe Icicle is another daughter of Lagavaich Fernando; he will be joining the herd at Craigton in Kirkcudbrightshire at the farm of A & J Craig.

Ballindalloch Pilot – Sold for 8,000 gns

BALLINDALLOCH PILOT was the next one to sell at 8,000gns. This 22-month-old lad is bred by Messrs R Irvine & F G Lawson of Ballindalloch, Banffshire. Sired by Goldies Icon, the 2015 Reserve Junior Champion who sold for 10,000gns at Stirling.  His dam, Ballindalloch Hilda is sired by Lochend Apache.  He is going home with R MacDonaldson & Son from Drumgask, Inverness-shire.

Thrunton Pegasus – Sold for 8,000 gns

THRUNTON PEGASUS was next to reach 8,000gns, bred by J H C Campbell & Sons in Alnwick, Northumberland. Born in May 2019, this bull is sired by the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem, and out of Thrunton Jubilant, a daughter of Thrunton Gladiator.  He will be making his way to his new home in Inverness to the Leys Estate.

Maerdy Passion – Sold for 8,000 gns

MAERDY PASSION, bred by Mr D E Evans in Mold, Flintshire.  This 20-month-old is sired by Maerdy Figaro-W and out of Maerdy Jiffy, one of the best daughters of Meardy Dynamite in the herd.  The winning bid of 8,000gns came from Bruce Mackie & Son from Huntly in Aberdeenshire.

Herestone Powerhouse – Sold for 8,000 gns

Next to sell at 8,000gns was HARESTONE POWERHOUSE, bred by R & N Barclay in Insch, Aberdeenshire.  Sired by the 10,000gns Blelack Fabulous, and out of Harstone Denise, a daughter of Harestone Uruguy.  His new owner is A McCornick & Co from Barnacles Farm in Dumfries.

Goldies Pioneer – Sold for 8,000 gns

Mr H Goldie of Ruthwell, Dumfries secured the two final bids of 8,000gns.  GOLDIES PIONEER was the first; this 17-month-old lad is sired by the 2017 Royal Highland Show Reserve Male Champion, Junior Male Champion and Reserve Junior Champion Tweeddale Matador.  Out of Goldies Lottie, a daughter of Gretnahouse Heman. Pioneer will be making his way to his new home with J Kay & Sons to Oxton, Berwickshire.

Goldies Powerhouse – Sold for 8,000 gns

And finally, GOLDIES POWERHOUSE was the last to hit 8,000gns.  This 17-month-old is sired by Blelack Fabulous and out of Goldies Fabulous, a daughter of Goldies Uppermost who claimed the top price at Perth in 2005, selling for 34,000gns and was also Supreme and Junior Champion.  The winning bid came from A J MacLean from Heylipol Farm from the Isle-of-Tiree.

The gavel came down twice at 7,500gns.  The first to secure this bid was 21-month-old AULTMORE POWERHOUSE from the farm of W Patterson and Son from Keith, Banffshire.  He is sired by the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister.  His dam, Battleford Lola is sired by Lochend Apache. The successful bidder was W S L Muir from Stenness, Orkney.

BALTHAYOCK POLITICIAN was the next to sell at 7,500gns.  This 20-month-old lad comes from the herd of Major D F W H & N R Walter in Perth and is sired by Gretnahouse Lunar.  His dam, Balthayock Insignia is a daughter of Blelack Forester.  Politician was purchased by the Scottish Government Bull Stud.

Just behind and selling for 7,200gns was the May 2019 born BALTHAYOCK PILGRIM, another from the herd of Major D F W H & N R Walter in Perth.  Pilgrims sire is Gretnahouse Lunar who is proved to be very easy calving and produces well fleshed bulls with excellent temperaments.  His dam, Balthayock Lotus is a daughter of Balthayock Dante.  Pilgrim was purchased by J M Fisher Ltd from Leswalt in Stranraer.

Also selling for 7,200gns was THRUNTON PATRIOT, an 18-month-old bull from the home of J H C Campbell and Sons in Alnwick.  Patriot was sired by the 20,000gns Stirling Champion Inverlochy Fencer and caught the eye of G T & S Coghill, who will be taking him home to Muce in Orkney.  His dam is Thrunton Melody who is a daughter of Thrunton Gladiator.

THRUNTON PEDRO is a good square 21-month-old lad who comes from the same stable as Thrunton Patriot.  His sire is the 28,000gns Maerdy Jerusalem; his dam, Thrunton Jackdaw is sired by Thrunton Gladiator. Pedro sold for 7,000gns and will be going home with W & A Strachan of Millfield, Aberdeenshire.

Another bull selling for 7,000gns was 21-month-old CARWOOD PABLO.  Pablo was brought to the market by his breeders Mr & Mrs C J Wight from Biggar, Lanarkshire. Pablo is out of Carwood Cherry, the daughter of Kelton Trident, and sired by Maerdy Magestic. He will be making his way to his new home in Maybole with J & A Dunlop

Four females were entered for the sale.

Up first, and reaching the top sale price of 4,800 gns was TOPHILL ROXANNE from the stable of Mr A J Stott of Canonbie, Dumfires-shire.  11-month-old Roxanne is sired by Hackleton Largerlout and her dam Hackleton Hetty is the daughter of Mulroog Alpine.

Next in the ring came the second top priced female of day, selling for 3,000gns. MORTIMERS PACHAMAMA caught the eye of Louise McArthur of Balfron Station, Glasgow. This 16-month-old heifer is bred by Messrs Mortimers Farm in Eastleigh, Hampshire and is sired by Farleycopse Laurence, her dam, Mortimers Icemaiden, is sired by Baggrave Eskimo.

The final two heifers to go under the hammer were CROOKDAKE PARIS and CROOKDAKE PROSECCO both bred by DA & SM Miller of Wigton, Cumbria. These were sold for a total of 4,800gns to E & M Fairhurst and Son, at Bankend Farm, by Lancaster

Northern Ireland Charolais Club Bull Sale – Sales Report, 6^th March 2021

Woodpark Presley and Birches Prettylady top the bids at Ballymena at 6,000 gns.

Saturday 6^th March saw the Northern Ireland Charolais Club host their annual Charolais Bull Sale for the first time at Ballymena Livestock Market.   With a mix of bidding happening in person, online and over the phone due to the current COVID-19 restrictions still in place. A steady trade took place which saw the two top selling animals go for 6,000 gns each.  11 bulls sold with an average price of £3081.

Woodpark Presley – Sold for 6,000gns

Top price bull of the day, at 6,000 gns was WOODPARK PRESLEY, bred by Mr W Short of Omagh, Co. Tyrone. This 19-month-old bull is sired by the easy calving Deeside Gulliver and out of Woodpark Ellie, a daughter of Major. The hammer went down with a bid from W J Fraser & Son who will be taking him home to Banffshire.

The next highest price, with a bid of 3,400 gns was PINEHILL RONALDO, bred by Mr C Todd of Lisburn, Co. Down.  Sired by Mornity Nero, out of Pinehill Naomi, a daughter of the easy calving Blelack Digger.  This 14-month-old lad caught the eye of A McMullan and will be making his way to his new home in Castlewellan, Co. Down.

The third top price of the day, with a bid of 3,300 gns was for the 2019 born MOUNTJOY PAGAN, bred by Mr C O Mcaskie of Omagh, Co. Tyrone.  His sire, Montgomery Ianto is the 2014 Royal Welsh Reserve Male Champion and Reserve Junior Champion.  His dam, Mountjoy India, is the daughter of Corrie Alan, the 19,000 gns Reserve Junior Champion from Perth in 2006.  The successful bidder and taking him home is S J Mcilmurray of Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.

23-month-old ROYALDOWNS PABLO sold for the next highest bid of 3,000 gns.  Sired by Hideal and out of Drumfin Damsel, a daughter of Doonally Ducdenever.  Bred by M McKeown Esq of Downpatrick, Co. Down. He will be making the journey to his new home in Limavady, Co. Londonderry to the farm of Mr N Blair.

OVILL PRIME is bred by the O’Kane Bros from Dungiven, Co. Londonderry.  Prime sold for 2,900 gns and caught the eye of H Small of Ballymena, Co. Antrim.  This 17-month-old lad is parent verified, sired by Ovill Lancelot, his dam is Ovill Jessica, a daughter of Doonally Nicefor.

20-month-old ROYALDOWNS PATROL sold for 2,800 gns, sired by the 18,000 gns Thrunton Fairfax, his dam, Royaldowns Erica is the daughter of Allanfauld Velocity.  Patrol also from the stable of M McKeown Esq of Downpatrick, Co. Down, and will be heading home with J Wilson of Ballyclare, Co. Antrim.

Also selling for 2,800 gns was 17-month-old DRUMACRITTEN PAUL from the stable of Mr G Nelson of Rosslea, Co. Fermanagh.  Sired by Whitecliffe James, this lads dam, Drumacritten Marylou is the daughter of Maerdy Dublin, who sold for 11,000 gns in Carlisle in 2009.  The successful bidder was Mr S Dobbin of Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.

WOODPARK PABLO is bred by Mr W Short of Omagh, Co. Tyrone.  This 20-month-old lad is sired by the easy calving Deeside Gulliver, his dam, Woodpark Jan is sired by Rumsden Fawkes. Pablo caught the eye of Mr W Hanna of Kilkeel, Co. Down who secured their purchase with a bid of 2,700 gns.

WOODPARK PIXEL, another from the stable of Mr W Short of Omagh, Co. Tyrone. This bull is 19 months old and is fully parent verified. His sire is Deeside Gulliver and his dam is Woodpark Nectar.  Pixel sold for 2,600 gns and is going home with J Lavery from Lurgan, Co. Armagh.

2019 born ALTNADEROG PAJO, selling for the price of 2,500 gns, comes from the herd of by M G & G McShane of Strabane, Co. Tyrone.  Sired by Deeleview Horace, out of Burnside Lappy, a daughter of Conval Frank, Reserve Intermediate Champion at Stirling in 2012 who sold for 13,000 gns. Pajo will be going home with Mr M Dooher of Strabane.

Birches PrettyLady – Sold for 6,000gns

Top price female of the day, with a bid of 6,000 gns was BIRCHES PRETTYLADY, bred by Mr & Mrs N Matchett or Portadown, Co. Armagh.  This 25-month-old heifer is sired by Elgin Jackman, out of Tawny Jasmine, who is sired by Doonally New.  Prettylady’s successful bidder was Simone McCabe of Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan.

28-month-old BROGHER OMYGIRL was the final female to sell, with the hammer going down on a bid of 3,400 gns.  Bred by Mr T Phair of Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.  Omygirl is sired by the 26,000 gns Balbithan Vespasian, out of Brogher Fancygirl, a daughter of Lyonsdemesne Tzar.  Omygirl will be making her way home with Mr K Murphy of Newry, Co. Down.